Plummer-Vinson Syndrome Clinical Presentation

Updated: Jun 29, 2020
  • Author: Louis Michel Wong Kee Song, MD; Chief Editor: BS Anand, MD  more...
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Presentation

History

Dysphagia, if present in patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), is typically intermittent and limited to solids. [27] It is usually felt in the throat.

Choking spells and aspiration may occur because of the proximal location of the web.

Weakness, fatigue, and dyspnea are secondary to iron deficiency anemia.

Weight loss is uncommon.

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Physical Examination

Manifestations of iron deficiency (with or without anemia) may be evident in those with Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), including the following:

  • Angular cheilitis

  • Glossitis [28]

  • Koilonychia (spoon nails)

  • Pallor

Splenomegaly, edentia (loss of teeth), and enlarged nodular thyroid glands are also described in a few patients with PVS.

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