A 52-year-old woman presents with progressive fatigue and difficulty swallowing solid foods. She is found to have hypochromic microcytic anemia (Hb 8.8 g/dL, MCV 68 fL) with low serum ferritin. Barium swallow reveals a smooth, thin, circumferential web in the postcricoid region. What is the diagnosis?
- A Esophageal carcinoma
- B Plummer-Vinson syndrome ✓
- C Achalasia
- D Sideropenic dysphagia without web
Correct answer: B. Plummer-Vinson syndrome
Explanation
Plummer-Vinson (Paterson-Kelly) syndrome is the triad of iron deficiency anemia, esophageal web, and postcricoid dysphagia. It predominantly affects middle-aged women and increases the risk of postcricoid carcinoma. Achalasia causes dysphagia but is not associated with anemia. Esophageal carcinoma would present with progressive dysphagia and weight loss, not the classic smooth web seen here.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.