SCHATZKI RING IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG-ADULTS - CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGIC FINDINGS

Background. The Schatzki ring is a well-known clinical and radiologic entity in adults, but is thought to be rare in childhood. Objective. T o review the clinical presentations and radiologic findings of childre n and young adults with Schatzki rings. Materials and methods. A retro spective review of all barium swallow examinations done between 1990 a nd 1996 revealed 20 patients with Schatzki rings. Results. The most fr equent presenting symptoms of these patients were progressive dysphagi a with solid food and acute food impaction. Radiographic findings of S chatzki rings were typical in all cases. Twelve patients had endoscopy and all had evidence of esophagitis. Conclusion. Schatzki rings are n ot rare in childhood. The patients are symptomatic, presenting with ei ther progressive dysphagia with solids or acute food impaction. A thor ough evaluation of the distal esophagus should be performed in patient s with a suggestive clinical history.