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Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), also called Paterson-Brown-Kelly syndrome or sideropenic dysphagia is a disorder linked to severe, long-term iron deficiency anemia, which causes swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) due to web-like membranes of tissue growing in the throat (esophageal webs).[1]
PVS sufferers often complain of a burning sensation with the tongue and oral mucosa, and atrophy of lingual papillae produces a smooth, shiny red tongue dorsum.
Symptoms include:
Serial contrasted gastrointestinal radiography or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy may reveal the web in the esophagus. Blood tests show 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.
The cause of PVS is unknown; however, genetic factors and nutritional deficiencies may play a role.
Women are at higher risk than men, particularly in middle age. In these patients, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk is increased; therefore, it is considered a premalignant process.
The condition is associated with koilonychia, glossitis, cheilitis, and splenomegaly.
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