Schatzki ring or Schatzki–Gary ring is a thin circular membrane of mucosa & submucosa seen at squamocolumnar junction of the distal oesophagus.

• Does not contain any muscularis propria.
• Upper surface covered with squamous epithelium and lower surface covered with columnar epithelium
• Always associated with a hiatal hernia
• M/C cause of episodic dysphagia for solids & food impactions in adults.

Subtypes:

• A-rings: Above the oesophagus/stomach junction
• B-rings: At the squamocolumnar junction in the lower oesophagus

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History:

Richard Schatzki was a renowned radiologist who described a ring-like structure in patients with dysphagia in articles from 1953 to 1963, and that structure would later bear his name.

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Clinical features

• Asymtomatic (M/C)
• Symptomatic: Intermittent dysphagia & food impaction

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Diagnosis

Imaging

Barium swallow:

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Management

Asymptomatic Schatzki rings seldom worsen over time, and need no treatment.

Symptomatic Schatzki rings:

• Esophageal dilatation: Bougie/balloon dilator