
Pulmmer-Vinson Syndrome
The triad of upper esophageal webs(small growth of tissue in esophagus) , dysphagia and iron deficiency anemia is called as Pulmmer-Vinson syndrome. It is also known as Paterson-Brown Kelly syndrome.
What causes the Pulmmer-Vinson syndrome?
The exact causes is still unknown but some believed that nutritional deficiencies (specially iron), genetic factor and autoimmune factor may play a role in Pulmmer-Vinson syndrome.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pulmmer-Vinson syndrome?
- Difficulty in swallowing(dysphagia)
- Burning sensation of tongue and mouth
- Weakness
- Light headache
- Fatigue
- Dyspnea(difficulty in breathing)
- Sore in tongue and angle of mouth( angular stomatitis and atrophic glossitis)
- Spoon nail( koilonychia)
- Pallor
- Weight loss
- Splenomegaly(enlarged spleen) , enlarged nodular thyroid.
How is Pulmmer-Vinson syndrome diagnosed ?
Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, Laboratory test and radiological imaging .
- Laboratory test shows iron deficiency anemia.
- Radiological imaging which include barium esophagram, videofluorocopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy may reveal the web in the esophagus.
- Biopsy of webs shows thin layer of normal squamous mucosa and submucosa cells .
How is Pulmmer-Vinson syndrome managed?
- Iron replacement with the dose of 235 mg PO once time a day help to correct anemia as well as improve dysphagia .
- If iron replacement cant help to improve dysphagia endoscopic web dilation is required .
What is the prognosis of the Pulmmer-Vinson syndrome?
Prognosis is good after treatment.
References:
- http://www.emedicinehealth.com
- http://en.wikipedia.org
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov
- http://www.medicinenet.com
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th edition.
- The Washington manual of surgery, 5th edition

From: Emedicinezone.com
This blog post was originally published by AutoimmuneMom.com, written by Emedicinezone.com and first published on Jan 20, 2011.
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