What is Plummer-Vinson syndrome?

(PLUH-mer-VIN-sun SIN-drome) A disorder marked by anemia caused by iron deficiency, and a web-like growth of membranes in the throat that makes swallowing difficult. Having Plummer-Vinson syndrome may increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

What is the cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome?

The cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome is unknown. Genetic factors and a lack of certain nutrients (nutritional deficiencies) may play a role. It is a rare disorder that can be linked to cancers of the esophagus and throat. It is more common in women.

What are the symptoms of Plummer-Vinson syndrome?

Plummer-Vinson syndrome classically presents as a triad of iron-deficiency anemia, postcricoid dysphagia, and upper esophageal webs. [2] Long-standing iron deficiency anemia can present as dyspnea or difficulty breathing, tachycardia, weakness, pallor, and koilonychia or spoon nails.

How is Plummer-Vinson syndrome diagnosed?

In patients with suspected Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), obtain complete blood cell (CBC) counts, peripheral blood smears, and iron studies (eg, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity [TIBC], ferritin, saturation percentage) to confirm iron deficiency, with or without hypochromic microcytic anemia.

Is Plummer Vinson syndrome premalignant?

Plummer Vinson syndrome, (also known as Patterson Kelly brown syndrome, sideropenic dysphagia, hysterical dysphagia) is a premalignant condition, in which the patient has iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia and possibly a post-cricoid web that can predispose to malignant change.

Can anemia affect your throat?

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.

What is another name for Plummer Vinson syndrome?

The association of postcricoid dysphagia, upper esophageal webs, and iron deficiency anemia is known as Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) in the United States and Paterson-Brown Kelly syndrome in the United Kingdom.

What is the function of hepcidin?

Hepcidin, the master regulator of systemic iron homeostasis, tightly influences erythrocyte production. High hepcidin levels block intestinal iron absorption and macrophage iron recycling, causing iron restricted erythropoiesis and anemia.

What has highest amount of iron?

Here are 12 healthy foods that are high in iron.

1. Shellfish. Shellfish is tasty and nutritious.
2. Spinach. Share on Pinterest.
3. Liver and other organ meats. Share on Pinterest.
4. Legumes. Share on Pinterest.
5. Red meat. Share on Pinterest.
6. Pumpkin seeds. Share on Pinterest.
7. Quinoa. Share on Pinterest.
8. Turkey. Share on Pinterest.

Does Low Iron affect your bowels?

You may notice bright red blood when you move your bowels. This may mean that you are losing blood from your lower gastrointestinal tract, which may cause you to have an iron deficiency. You may notice the presence of black, tarry or maroon stools when you have a bowel movement.

What causes iron deficiency in Plummer Vinson syndrome?

The cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is unclear. Proposed etiopathogenic mechanisms include iron and nutritional deficiencies, genetic predisposition, and autoimmunity. Seek the underlying cause of iron deficiency anemia (eg, gastrointestinal blood loss, celiac sprue).

Is hepcidin good or bad?

Hepcidin (hepatic bactericidal protein) was initially identified as a urinary antimicrobial peptide rich in cysteine. Further studies showed that hepcidin is overexpressed in mice with iron overload and that it plays a significant role in iron homeostasis in knockout animals with iron storage disease.

What are the symptoms of Plummer Vinson syndrome?

Esophageal webs in the setting of iron deficiency anemia. This is seen in Plummer-Vinson syndrome. This syndrome usually has: dysphagia. esophageal web. atrophic glossitis (inflammation of tongue) and/or cheilitis (inflammation around the lips/mouth) iron deficiency anemia.

Where are esophageal webs found in Plummer Vinson syndrome?

Given her dysphagia, esophageal webs are highest on the differential. A barium esophagram (figure below) will confirm the diagnosis. The esophageal webs of Plummer-Vinson syndrome are usually in the upper esophagus and more common in women.

Who was dr.vinson and what did he do?

Dr. Vinson was a surgeon born in 1890 and also worked at the Mayo Clinic. The alternative name of Kelly-Paterson syndrome has been used in the UK after doctors Derek Brown-Kelly and Donald Ross Paterson. What happened to the patient? The patient was started on IV and later oral iron.

Who was dr.plummer and what did he do?

Dr. Plummer was a prominent internist and endocrinologist born in 1874 and was one of the founding members of the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Vinson was a surgeon born in 1890 and also worked at the Mayo Clinic. The alternative name of Kelly-Paterson syndrome has been used in the UK after doctors Derek Brown-Kelly and Donald Ross Paterson.