Plummer-Vinson syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Plummer - Vinson syndrome is one of the names given to the constellation of dysphagia, iron- deficiency anemia, and esophageal webbing. It is a rare affection which affects mainly white women.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to precise epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic features of the affection.

METHODS

We report a retrospective study enrolled over 6 years (2002 - 2008). Were studied the age, the sex, the main symptoms and the biological parameters (full blood cell, albumin, hepatic, renal and lipidic balance sheet). Patients were explored by an upper endoscopy.

RESULTS

Ten patients with the diagnosis of Plummer-Vinson syndrome were collected. There were 9 women, the average age was 57 years old. Dysphagia was the main symptom, observed in 100% of the cases. Fifty per cent of our patients had iron-deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation was indicated each time there is an iron- deficiency anemia. All the patients were treated with endoscopic dilatation and three of them needed multiple session of endoscopic dilatation. Eighty per cent had a favorable evolution. The malignancy was observed in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

Dysphagia is the main symptom of the Plummer-Vinson syndrome, which must indicate an upper endoscopy. This syndrome is known to be associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper airway tract, so the patients should be followed closely. Endoscopic dilatation is the procedure of choice in the treatment of cervical web of the esophagus.