Lower esophageal ring (Schatzki)

Alternative names:

esophagogastric ring; Schatzki's ring

Definition:

A ring of tissue located at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause is probably a congenital defect. Esophageal rings may also occur as a result of drinking a caustic material and subsequent scar formation. The condition may produce swallowing difficulties. Reflux does usually not occur with this condition. Risk factors are unknown. The incidence is 4 out of 10,000 people.