Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a condition that occurs with long-term (chronic) iron deficiency anemia. People with this condition have difficulty swallowing due to esophageal webs -- small, thin growths of tissue that partially block the food pipe (esophagus).

Paterson-Kelly syndrome; Sideropenic dysphagia

The cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome is unknown. Genetic factors and a lack of certain nutrients (nutritional deficiencies) may play a role. It is a rare disorder that is often connected with cancers of the esophagus and throat.

• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness

Some patients develop skin and nail abnormalities that the doctor can see during an examination.

Upper GI seriesor upper endoscopymay show the web. Tests to diagnose anemia or iron deficiency may be useful.

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.

Patients generally respond to treatment.

Devices used to stretch the esophagus (dilators) may tear it.

There have been reports of a connection between Plummer-Vinson syndrome and esophageal cancer.

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

Good nutrition with enough iron may prevent this disorder.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a condition that sometimes occur in people with long-term (chronic) iron deficiency anemia. People with this condition have difficulty swallowing due to small, thin growths of tissue that partially block the upper food pipe, or esophagus.

Paterson-Kelly syndrome; Sideropenic dysphagia; Esophageal web

The cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome is unknown. Genetic factors and a lack of certain nutrients (nutritional deficiencies) may play a role. It is a rare disorder that can be linked to cancers of the esophagus and throat. It is more common in women.

• Difficulty swallowing
• Weakness

Some patients develop skin and nail abnormalities that the doctor can see during an examination.

Upper GI seriesor upper endoscopymay show the web. Tests to diagnose anemia or iron deficiency may be useful.

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.

Patients generally respond to treatment.

Devices used to stretch the esophagus (dilators) may cause a tear, which leads to bleeding.

Plummer-Vinson syndrome has been linked to esophageal cancer.

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

Good nutrition with enough iron may prevent this disorder.

Long JD, Orlando RC. Anatomy, histology, embryology, and developmental anomalies of the esophagus. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 41.

Review Date: 11/12/2010

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.