Plummer Vinson syndrome: Analysis of four cases with varied clinical presentations

Abstract

Plummer Vinson syndrome (PVS) is characterized by classical triad of dysphagia, iron deficiency anemia and esophageal webs. It is an extremely rare cause of anemia, mainly seen in middle aged females. Plummer-Vinson syndrome is considered as a risk factor for the development of upper gastrointestinal tract malignancy. Here we describe a series of four patients who presented to us with varied clinical features, and in whom radiological and endoscopic evaluation established diagnosis of PVS. This case series emphasizes the need for PVS to be kept in differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, even if dysphagia is not predominant feature.

Keywords

• dysphagia
• esophageal webs
• iron deficiency anemia
• plummer vinson syndrome