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Schatzki ring in children and young adults: clinical and radiologic findings
K Buckley1, C Buonomo, K Husain
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Insights
Schatzki rings, a narrowing of the esophagus, are not rare in children and young adults. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing solid foods and acute food impaction, warranting further evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Radiology
- Esophageal Disorders
Background:
- Schatzki ring is a recognized entity in adults, but its prevalence in pediatric populations is considered low.
- This study investigates the occurrence and presentation of Schatzki rings in children and young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Schatzki rings in pediatric patients.
- To describe the clinical symptoms and radiologic findings associated with Schatzki rings in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of barium swallow examinations conducted between 1990 and 1996.
- Analysis of 20 identified cases of Schatzki rings in pediatric and young adult patients.
Main Results:
- Progressive dysphagia with solid foods and acute food impaction were the most common presenting symptoms.
- Typical radiographic findings of Schatzki rings were observed in all cases.
- Endoscopic evaluation in 12 patients revealed associated esophagitis.
Conclusions:
- Schatzki rings are more common in children and young adults than previously thought.
- Symptomatic presentation typically involves dysphagia or food impaction.
- Patients with suggestive clinical histories require thorough distal esophageal evaluation.
Background:
The Schatzki ring is a well-known clinical and radiologic entity in adults, but is thought to be rare in childhood. Objective. To review the clinical presentations and radiologic findings of children and young adults with Schatzki rings.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective review of all barium swallow examinations done between 1990 and 1996 revealed 20 patients with Schatzki rings.
Results:
The most frequent presenting symptoms of these patients were progressive dysphagia with solid food and acute food impaction. Radiographic findings of Schatzki rings were typical in all cases. Twelve patients had endoscopy and all had evidence of esophagitis.
Conclusion:
Schatzki rings are not rare in childhood. The patients are symptomatic, presenting with either progressive dysphagia with solids or acute food impaction. A thorough evaluation of the distal esophagus should be performed in patients with a suggestive clinical history.