Plummer-Vinson syndrome: case report.

Abstract

The Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of iron deficiency anemia, cervical dysphagia and esophageal membranes. It is more prevalent in women aged 40-70 from Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon countries, and is of unknown etiology, but there are two theories that can be related to the syndrome: the iron deficiency theory and the theory of primary dysphagia. Iron deficiency can cause changes in the upper digestive tract, causing hypochromic and microcytic anemia. Existing dysphagia combines with the changing eating habits of patients, resulting in deficiency in iron and other vitamins. Although rare, Plummer-Vinson syndrome needs to be remembered during the formulation of diagnostic hypotheses, since it is listed as a risk fator for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper gastrointestinal tract.