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Plummer-Vinson syndrome

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Gastrointestinal system

Pathology

Peritoneum and peritoneal cavity
Upper gastrointestinal tract disorders
Lower gastrointestinal tract disorders
Liver, gallbladder and pancreas disorders
Gastrointestinal system pathology review

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Plummer-Vinson syndrome

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High Yield Notes
13 pages
Flashcards

Plummer-Vinson syndrome

6 flashcards
Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

1 questions
Preview

A 55-year-old woman comes to the office due to difficulty swallowing for the past 2 months. The patient describes intermittent difficulty swallowing solids which improves with water or by chewing her food more. She also reports feeling more tired during this time period. Medical history is noncontributory. Temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F), pulse is 110/min, and blood pressure is 135/85 mmHg. Physical examination reveals pale conjunctiva. Which of the following may be seen on further evaluation of this patient?  

External References
Summary

Plummer-Vinson also called Paterson-Brown-Kelly syndrome, refers to the triad of iron deficiency anemia, dysphagia, and a cervical esophageal web. The esophageal webs are thin, fibrous bands that can form in the upper part of the esophagus, whereas dysphagia refers to difficulty swallowing. Treatment with iron supplementation and mechanical widening of the esophagus generally provides a good outcome.