Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2004 Feb;28(2):67-70.

A Case of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. leejh@smc.samsung.co.kr

Abstract

The combination of symptomatic hypopharyngeal webs and iron-deficiency anemia in middle-aged women constitutes Plummer-Vinson syndrome. It is uncommon but important syndrome because of inceased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and esophagus. The cause of this syndrome is still not clear. A small sized web is treated by correction of anemia, but a large sized one with dysphagia is treated by breakage of web. Recently, we experienced a 41-year-old woman with Plummer-Vinson syndrome. She complained of dysphagia for 10 years. Esophagogram and endoscopic examination showed a hypopharyngeal web and peripheral blood profile was compatible with iron-deficiency anemia. Her symptom improved after endoscopic balloon dilatation of the upper esophageal web.

Keyword

Dysphagia; Plummer-Vinson syndrome; Endoscopic balloon dilatation

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anemia
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Deglutition Disorders
Dilatation
Esophagus
Female
Humans
Pharynx
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome*
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