Esophageal rings and webs

Esophageal rings

Esophageal webs are the most common structural abnormalities of the

esophagus

. They are an atypical tissue inside your esophagus when an indentations of the esophageal wall forms and may partially occlude the esophageal lumen. Rings differ from webs primarily by being thicker and involving more of the wall of the esophagus. Both webs and rings can happen anywhere in the esophagus, however, webs are usually found in the upper part while rings tend to occur more in the lower part of the esophagus. Esophageal webs and rings are usually asymptomatic but can occasionally present with intermittent

dysphagia

to solids. Dysphagia becomes symptomatic only when the luminal diameter in the region of the esophageal web or ring becomes less than 12 mm. Esophageal rings and webs are best detected by

barium swallow

or

upper endoscopy

.
Diagnostic tests such as upper endoscopy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms

Swallowing difficulties

  • Solids only

  • For 2 weeks or more

  • Intermittent

common

Food stuck in throat

common

Acid reflux

common

Release of recently eaten foods different from vomiting

Risk factors

Stomach hernia

or History of reflux esophagitis

or History of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Treatment
Esophageal rings and webs usually are managed in the outpatient setting. Patients with recurrent symptoms from esophageal rings and webs require repeat esophageal dilation. Repeat esophageal dilation is safe and can relieve symptoms in the long term. Histamine type 2 (H2)-receptor antagonists, including cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine, may be used for mild-to-moderate

GERD

symptoms. For severe GERD symptoms, proton pump inhibitors (eg, omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole) are recommended
Recommended specialist

If you have Esophageal rings and webs, then a visit to a gastroenterologist is recommended.

Contact a

Gastroenterologist

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