Year 2026 / Volume 118 / Number 1
Letter
Plummer-Vinson syndrome: is the immune system the missing piece?

57-58

DOI: 10.17235/reed.2024.10862/2024

Carolina Broco Fernández, Ana Belen Dominguez Carbajo, Santiago Vivas Alegre, Verónica Patiño Delgadillo, Laura Alcoba Vega, Francisco Jorquera Plaza,

Abstract
Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is a rare disorder characterized by a triad of iron-deficiency anemia, cervical dysphagia, and post-cricoid esophageal webs. The exact relationship between anemia and web formation remains unclear, with current hypotheses lacking strong evidence. Although treating anemia generally resolves dysphagia, some cases require endoscopic intervention. PVS is considered a precancerous condition due to its association with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx or upper esophagus. We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with psoriatic arthritis who exhibited iron-deficiency anemia unresponsive to oral iron and persistent dysphagia. Gastroscopy revealed esophageal narrowing, and she underwent successful balloon dilation following iron therapy. The patient is now asymptomatic. While the etiopathogenesis of PVS remains unknown, autoimmune conditions may play a role. Due to its potential link to neoplastic lesions, recognizing and managing PVS is critical. Further research is required to improve understanding and identify those at risk.
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References
Goel A, Bakshi SS, Soni N, Chhavi N. Iron deficiency anemia and Plummer-Vinson syndrome: current insights. J Blood Med. 2017;8:175-184. Published 2017 Oct 19. doi:10.2147/JBM.S127801
Lo KB, Albano J, Sandhu N, Candelario N. Plummer-Vinson syndrome: improving outcomes with a multidisciplinary approach. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2019;12:471-477. Published 2019 Jun 19. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S180410
Xue Z, Miller TL, Abramson L, et al. Association of eosinophilic esophagitis with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, and the impact on treatment response. Dis Esophagus. 2022;36(1):doac043. doi:10.1093/dote/doac043
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Broco Fernández C, Dominguez Carbajo A, Vivas Alegre S, Patiño Delgadillo V, Alcoba Vega L, Jorquera Plaza F, et all. Plummer-Vinson syndrome: is the immune system the missing piece?. 10862/2024


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Publication history

Received: 12/10/2024

Accepted: 22/10/2024

Online First: 12/11/2024

Published: 14/01/2026

Article Online First time: 31 days

Article editing time: 459 days


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