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Plummer-Vinson syndrome/esophageal web

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Paterson-Kelly syndrome; Sideropenic dysphagia

Treatment:

Patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome should receive iron supplements. This may improve the difficulty in swallowing. If not, the web can be widened during upper endoscopy to allow normal swallowing and passage of food.

Expectations (prognosis):

Patients generally respond to treatment.

Complications:

There is risk of tearing of the esophagus with the use of dilators for treatment.

There have been reports of a connection between Plummer-Vinson syndrome and 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: 10/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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