Which endoscopic finding would indicate a Schatzki ring as the cause of dysphagia?

Which endoscopic finding would indicate a Schatzki ring as the cause of dysphagia?

• A. A circumferential mucosal ring at the distal esophagus
• B. A single ulcer in the stomach
• C. Diffuse esophageal inflammation
• D. Esophageal varices

Answer: (A)

Schatzki ring presents as a thin, circumferential mucosal ring at the gastroesophageal junction that narrows the distal esophagus. On endoscopy, this appears as a circular constriction just above the GE junction, which explains intermittent dysphagia to solids by creating a fixed narrowing the food bolus must pass. The other endoscopic findings don’t fit this pattern: a single ulcer in the stomach points to gastric ulcers, diffuse esophageal inflammation suggests widespread esophagitis, and esophageal varices are dilated veins from portal hypertension. Thus the circumferential ring at the distal esophagus is the hallmark sign of a Schatzki ring.

Schatzki ring presents as a thin, circumferential mucosal ring at the gastroesophageal junction that narrows the distal esophagus. On endoscopy, this appears as a circular constriction just above the GE junction, which explains intermittent dysphagia to solids by creating a fixed narrowing the food bolus must pass. The other endoscopic findings don’t fit this pattern: a single ulcer in the stomach points to gastric ulcers, diffuse esophageal inflammation suggests widespread esophagitis, and esophageal varices are dilated veins from portal hypertension. Thus the circumferential ring at the distal esophagus is the hallmark sign of a Schatzki ring.