Abstract

Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), (also called Paterson-Brown-Kelly syndrome or sideropenic dysphagia) is an extremely rare syndrome which includes iron-deficiency anemia, dysphagia, and esophageal webs. If left untreated, progressive dysphagia can supervene and the patient is at risk of developing pharyngeal or esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma. Treatment consists of supplementation of iron and endoscopic dilations or surgery for the esophageal web. We describe the case of a 17-year-old women with Plummer-Vinson syndrome whose dysphagia was successfully treated with endoscopic dilation. She remains in good general condition 3 months after treatment.

Key words: dysphagia, esophageal web, iron-deficiency anemia, Plummer-Vinson syndrome