Korean J Gastrointest Endosc.  2008 Sep;37(3):198-202.

A Case of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome in an Elderly Patient

• Jo MJ
• Kim TN
• Choi ST
• Park DW
• Kim YM
• Lee HY

Abstract

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a complex syndrome characterized by upper esophageal webs, dysphagia, and iron deficiency anemia. This syndrome develops principally in middle-aged women, and only rarely in patients over age 80. We present a case of Plummer-Vinson syndrome occurring in an 82-year-old woman who visited the hospital because of progressive dysphagia. Esophagogram and endoscopic examination showed an upper esophageal web, and laboratory examination revealed iron deficiency anemia. Dysphagia improved after endoscopic balloon dilatation, and iron deficiency anemia improved after iron supplementation. Even Plummer-Vinson syndrome can be improved by sufficient amounts of oral ferrous sulfate and endoscopic balloon dilatation, it is important to identify the cause of iron deficiency anemia and to check for the presence of malignant disease. The common causes of anemia differ between middle-aged and elderly women, and the clinician needs to look for malignancy-induced chronic gastrointestinal tract blood loss and chronic inflammatory diseases. We report a rare case of Plummer- Vinson syndrome in a woman over 80 years of age.

Keyword

Plummer-Vinson syndrome; Esophageal web; Old age

MeSH Terms

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anemia
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
Deglutition Disorders
Dilatation
Female
Ferrous Compounds
Gastrointestinal Tract
Humans
Iron
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome
Ferrous Compounds
Iron