What is Plummer-Vinson syndrome associated with?
What is Plummer-Vinson syndrome associated with?
Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a condition that can occur in people with long-term (chronic) iron deficiency anemia. People with this condition have problems swallowing due to small, thin growths of tissue that partially block the upper food pipe (esophagus).
Why does iron deficiency cause esophageal webs?
Esophageal webs are more likely to occur in people who have iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia that occurs because of a lack of iron. Without adequate iron, the blood cells can’t carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.
How is Plummer-Vinson diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on the evidence of iron-deficiency anemia and one or more esophageal webs in a patient with postcricoid dysphagia. Esophageal webs can be detected by barium swallow X-ray but the best way for demonstration is the videofluoroscopy [11,37].
Why is Plummer Vinson syndrome premalignant?
The syndrome is considered to be a precancerous condition because squamous cell carcinoma of hypopharynx, upper esophagus, or oral cavity takes place in 10% of these patients.
What is the treatment of Plummer Vinson syndrome?
Plummer-Vinson syndrome can be treated effectively with iron supplementation and mechanical dilation. In case of significant obstruction of the esophageal lumen by esophageal web and persistent dysphagia despite iron supplementation, rupture and dilation of the web are necessary.
Is esophageal atresia life-threatening?
Esophageal atresia can be life-threatening, so the baby has to be treated quickly. Doctors perform surgery to connect the esophagus to the stomach in babies with this condition.
How is Plummer-Vinson syndrome diagnosed?
Can iron deficiency cause swallowing problems?
Difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia is a common symptom. Esophageal webs are an infrequent cause of dysphagia. These have been found to occur in association with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and dysphagia.
