[Invagination of the oesophageal mucosa in the presence of a Schatzki ring (author's transl)].

A patient is described who suffered from prolapse of the lower oesophageal mucosa in the presence of a Schatzki ring. There was variable dysphagia culminating in total aphagia. The clinical symptoms disappeared without any treatment once the patient had overcome several years of psychological stress. The radiological appearances gave rise to a discussion of the radiological anatomy of the terminal oesophagus with a Schatzki ring since numerous similar appearances illustrated in the literature have been interpreted as axial hiatus hernias. A comparison of manometric and radiological fingings has shown that a hernia did not exist. The advantages and errors inherent in diagnosing hernias with the help of the "three rings", as described by Hafter, are discussed. The mucosal prolapse during the stage of aphagia is demonstrated and compared with cases from the literature showing prolapse at the upper and lower vestibular margins. The mechanism leading to these appearances is discussed.