Plummer–Vinson syndrome
Channel: all the knowledge of the universe PRINCIPIA
Date: 2022-01-20

Plummer–Vinson syndrome, by Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki?curid=1010562 / CC BY SA 3.0

#Nutritional_anemias
#Esophagus_disorders
#Syndromes_affecting_blood
#Rare_diseases
#Syndromes_affecting_the_gastrointestinal_tract
Plummer–Vinson syndrome is a rare disease characterized by difficulty swallowing, iron-deficiency anemia, glossitis, cheilosis and esophageal webs.
Treatment with iron supplementation and mechanical widening of the esophagus generally provides an excellent outcome.
While exact data about the epidemiology is unknown, this syndrome has become extremely rare.
The reduction in the prevalence of Plummer–Vinson syndrome has been hypothesized to be the result of improvements in nutritional status and availability in countries where the syndrome was previously described.
It generally occurs in perimenopausal women.
Its identification and follow-up is considered relevant due to increased risk of squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus and pharynx.
Patients with Plummer–Vinson syndrome often have a burning sensation with the tongue and oral mucosa, and atrophy of lingual papillae produces a smooth, shiny, red, dorsum of the tongue.
Symptoms include: Serial contrasted gastrointestinal radiography or upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy may reveal the web in the esophagus.
Blood tests demonstrate a hypochromic microcytic anemia that is consistent with an iron-deficiency anemia.
Biopsy of involved mucosa typically reveals epithelial atrophy （shrinking） and varying amounts of submucosal chronic inflammation.
Epithelial atypia or dysplasia may be present.
It may also present as a post-cricoid malignancy which can be detected by loss of laryngeal crepitus.
Laryngeal crepitus is found normally and is produced because the cricoid cartilage rubs against the vertebrae.
The cause of Plummer–Vinson syndrome is unknown; however, genetic factors and nutritional deficiencies may play a role.
It is more common in women, particularly in middle age, with a peak age over...