Warning Signs Of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a rare condition most often diagnosed in middle-aged women. Also known as Paterson-Brown Kelly syndrome, it was first described in 1919 by doctors in Philadelphia. Scientists noted a large number of cases in Sweden in the early twentieth century before food there was routinely fortified with iron. Currently, the syndrome seems to be more common in India than in Western nations. On the Indian subcontinent, the condition is equally prevalent in men and women. To assess patients for this condition, doctors will perform a physical examination. The exam will focus on signs of iron deficiency, and the doctor will assess the patient's skin for pallor. They will also examine the patient's nails to check for spoon-shaped indentations. The physician may need to listen to the patient's heart to complete an evaluation for tachycardia. Patients will need to have a full blood count performed, and doctors may sometimes recommend a barium swallow test to check for esophageal webs.

The symptoms described below are some of those most frequently encountered in cases of Plummer-Vinson syndrome.

Painful And Difficult Swallowing

Painful and difficult swallowing is one of the classic symptoms of this syndrome, and it is usually caused by the strictures or webs that form in the esophagus. In Plummer-Vinson syndrome, the webs and strictures are generally present in the upper part of the esophagus. The majority of the swallowing difficulties associated with this syndrome tend to come and go in the early stages, and they are usually painless at that time. Painful swallowing starts as the esophageal webs grow in size. While swallowing troubles tend to occur only with solid foods, patients who do not have their swallowing issues addressed could go on to develop difficulties with swallowing liquids too. Patients with swallowing troubles may experience unintentional weight loss that could lead to more serious health issues. When assessing swallowing problems, doctors will ask the patient about when these occur and whether they occur with specific foods. Patients may need to have x-rays, barium swallow tests, or other imaging studies to determine the severity of the issues and check for the presence of esophageal strictures or other abnormalities. Endoscopic dilation and argon plasma coagulation therapy may be recommended in cases of persistent swallowing trouble.

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