Plummer-Vinson syndrome (patient information): Difference between revisions

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==Sources==
==Sources==
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001158.htm

Revision as of 13:53, 21 September 2012

Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Plummer-Vinson syndrome?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Plummer-Vinson syndrome On the Web

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

Images of Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Videos on Plummer-Vinson syndrome

FDA on Plummer-Vinson syndrome

CDC on Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Plummer-Vinson syndrome in the news

Blogs on Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Directions to Hospitals Treating Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Risk calculators and risk factors for Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Charmaine Patel, M.D. [2]

Overview

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a condition that sometimes occur in people with long-term (chronic) iron deficiency anemia. People with this condition have difficulty swallowing due to small, thin growths of tissue that partially block the upper food pipe, or esophagus.

What are the symptoms of Plummer-Vinson syndrome?

What causes 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.

Who is at highest risk?

Females are at higher risk than males.

Diagnosis

Some patients develop skin and nail abnormalities that the doctor can see during an examination. Upper GI series or upper endoscopy may show the web. Tests to diagnose anemia or iron deficiency may be useful.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if food gets stuck after you swallow it or if you have severe fatigue and weakness.

Treatment options

Patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome should receive iron supplements. This may improve the swallowing difficulty. If supplements do not help, the web can be widened during upper endoscopy to allow normal swallowing and passage of food.

Where to find medical care for (condition)?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

Prevention

Good nutrition with enough iron may prevent this disorder.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Patients generally respond to treatment.

Possible complications

Devices used to stretch the esophagus (dilators) may cause a tear, which leads to bleeding.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome has been linked to esophageal cancer.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001158.htm