The B ring is a mucosal ring that develops in the distal esophagus at the gastro-esophageal junction (Z line).
On this page:
Terminology
If the ring becomes symptomatic, then it is usually termed a Schatzki ring, although some use the terms synonymously.
Pathology
Its development is thought to be a reaction to chronic irritation of the esophageal mucosa from gastro-esophageal reflux and it has squamous epithelium on its upper surface and columnar epithelium on its lower surface.
Associations
They are often associated with a hiatal hernia.
Differential diagnosis
- short annular ("ringlike") peptic stricture: these tend to make a broader impression on the distal esophagus than a B ring, which is usually <3 mm in thickness