OBJECTIVE: In contrast to the well-recognized Schatzki's ring, the lower es
ophageal muscular ring remains a poorly defined entity. The purpose of this
study is to report on the clinical features of three patients with lower e
sophageal muscular rings and review the literature on this disorder, to bet
ter understand its importance as a cause of dysphagia.
METHODS: Three patients presenting to the West Roxbury VA Medical Center we
re identified as having a contractile, focal narrowing in the distal esopha
gus by upper GI series. Clinical histories were obtained and endoscopic and
manometric evaluations were performed.
RESULTS: The three patients had symptoms consisting of chronic, intermitten
t dysphagia for both liquids and solids. The results of barium swallows and
upper endoscopic examinations were similar and revealed a focal, thick con
striction of variable luminal diameter located a few centimeters above the
squamocolumnar junction. Esophageal motility testing revealed peristaltic,
high-amplitude, long-duration, and multiple peaked contractions. Lower esop
hageal sphincter function was normal. The patients derived partial or only
temporary relief of dysphagia with esophageal dilation with rigid dilators.
All three patients had significant symptomatic responses to anticholinergi
c agents.
CONCLUSIONS: Lower esophageal muscular rings are an uncommon but important
cause of dysphagia. Significant esophageal motility abnormalities can be fo
und in symptomatic patients. Distinguishing the lower esophageal muscular r
ing from the Schatzki's ring is important because of differences in the tre
atment and outcome of the two conditions.