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Plummer-Vinson syndrome

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A syndrome characterized by an iron-deficiency anaemia, atrophic changes in the buccal, glossopharyngeal, and oesophageal mucous membranes, koilonycha (spoon-shaped finger nails), and dysphagia. The dysphagia is due to a web formed in the postcricoid region. Carcinoma of the tongue and postcricoid region are complications. It is most common in middle aged women, rarely in the male. Etiology unknown.

Bibliography

  • H. S. Plummer:
    Diffuse dilatation of the esophagus without anatomic stenosis (cardiospasm). A report of ninety-one cases.
    Journal of the American Medical Association, Chicago, 1912, 58: 2013-2015.
  • P. P. Vinson:
    A case of cardiospasm with dilatation and angulation of the esophagus.
    Medical Clinics of North America, Philadelphia, PA., 1919, 3: 623-627.
  • A. B. Kelly:
    Spasm at the entrance of the esophagus.
    The Journal of Laryngology, Rhinology, and Otology, London, 1919, 34: 285-289.
  • D. R. Paterson:
    A clinical type of dysphagia.
    The Journal of Laryngology, Rhinology, and Otology, London, 1919, 24: 289-291.
  • J. Waldenström, D. R. Kjellberg:
    The roentgenological diagnosis of sideropenic dysphagia (Plummer-Vinson’s syndrome).
    Acta radiologica, Stockholm, 1939, 20: 618.

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