Plummer-Vinson syndrome
Overview
Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), also called Paterson-Brown-Kelly syndrome or sideropenic dysphagia is a disorder linked to severe, long-term iron deficiency anemia, which causes swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) due to web-like membranes of tissue growing in the throat (esophageal webs)
Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing Weakness
Causes
The cause of PVS is unknown; however, genetic factors and nutritional deficiencies may play a role. Women are at higher risk than men, particularly in middle age. In these patients, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk is increased; therefore, it is considered a premalignant process. The condition is associated with koilonychia, glossitis, cheilitis, and splenomegaly.
Prognosis
Patients generally respond well to treatment. Iron supplementation usually resolves the anemia, and corrects the glossodynia (tongue pain)
Treatment
Treatment is primarily aimed at correcting the iron-deficiency anemia. Patients with PVS should receive iron supplementation in their diet. This may improve dysphagia and pain. If not, the web can be dilated during upper endoscopy to allow normal swallowing and passage of food