Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Paterson-Kelly syndrome; Sideropenic dysphagiaDefinition Return to top
Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a disorder linked to severe, long-term iron deficiency anemia, which causes swallowing difficulty due to web-like membranes of tissue growing in the throat.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome is unknown. Genetic factors and nutritional deficiencies may play a role. Women are at higher risk than men.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Upper GI series or upper endoscopy may reveal the web. Tests to diagnose anemia and/or iron deficiency may be useful.
Treatment Return to top
Patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome should receive iron supplementation. This may improve the difficulty swallowing. If not, the web can be dilated during upper endoscopy to allow normal swallowing and passage of food.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Patients generally respond to treatment.
Complications Return to top
There is risk of perforation of the esophagus with the use of dilators for treatment.
There have been reports of an association between Plummer-Vinson syndrome and esophageal cancer.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if food gets stuck after you swallow it or if you have severe fatigue and weakness.
Prevention Return to top
Good nutrition with adequate intake of iron may prevent this disorder.
Update Date: 1/2/2003 Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |