Plummer-Vinson syndrome/esophageal web

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Paterson-Kelly syndrome; Sideropenic dysphagia; Esophageal web


Treatment

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.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Patients generally respond to treatment.


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.


Calling your health care provider

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



Review Date: 11/12/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)