Schatzki

Schatzki is a German surname that appears in German-speaking regions and among diaspora communities. The name is of German linguistic origin and is typically associated with the word Schatz, meaning treasure, though its exact historical origins may vary by family.

Schatzki ring, often called Schatzki’s ring, is a mucosal ring at the gastroesophageal junction that can cause intermittent dysphagia for solids. It is named after Richard Schatzki, a German surgeon who described the condition. Many individuals with the ring experience no symptoms, while others have progressive difficulty with eating, especially bulky or dry foods. Diagnosis is usually made by upper endoscopy or a barium swallow study, which can reveal a concentric ring at the distal esophagus.

Treatment focuses on symptom relief and prevention of recurrence. Endoscopic dilation using bougies or balloons is the most common intervention and is often effective. Proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed if gastroesophageal reflux disease contributes to symptoms. Recurrence is relatively common, and some patients require repeat dilation; surgical intervention is rarely necessary.

Outside medicine, Schatzki is primarily recognized as a surname. It may be encountered in historical or contemporary contexts related to individuals bearing the name, and it can be used in discussions of German language heritage.