"THE ONE RING" AND EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS AS TRICKY TRIGGERS OF REFLUX SYMPTOMS – A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and Schatzki ring are distinct conditions, but their clinical presentation may resemble one another. Moreover, they can closely mimic the third common disorder, that is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) making a patient diagnostic approach even more challenging. Aim of the study: presentation of a case with EoE with coexistence of Schatzki ring and related subject literature review. Materials and methods: one case of non-specific GERD symptoms and gradual dysphagia development. Literature review of existing reports and data regarding epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approach to patients with EoE suspicion. Presentation of the current guidelines on disease management. Additionally, we discuss the medical challenges that may occur in patients with esophageal dysfunction and highlight that further studies are warranted to better explain EoE's long-term impact on patient outcomes. Conclusions: EoE has become increasingly recognized over the last decade, but may still create a clinical challenge. Its symptoms vary with age, and pathogenesis is still not fully explained. Experts in the field recommend special criteria for diagnosing EoE, which should be followed to establish the proper diagnosis. Further studies are warranted to better explain EoE's pathophysiology and long-term impact on patient outcomes.