Plummer-Vinson syndrome: A rare cause of dysphagia in an octogenarian

Abstract

Objective: Background: Case Report: Conclusions: Rare co-existance of disease or pathology Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a rare disease that presents with iron-deficiency anemia, dysphagia, and esoph-ageal webs. It usually occurs in middle-aged White women, and it increases the risk for esophageal cancer. The prevalence of Plummer-Vinson syndrome has decreased due to early detection of iron deficiency and repletion of iron stores. Although Plummer-Vinson syndrome has also been commonly described in children and adoles-cents, it is seldom reported in the elderly population. An 88-year-old women with a history of mild cognitive impairment, allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal re-flux disease presented with difficulty in swallowing solid foods. She had a decreased appetite, along with a 4.5-kg weight loss in the last 1 year. She was also found to have severe iron deficiency and mild anemia. Her dysphagia continued to progress even after starting iron supplementation for her iron deficiency. She eventu-ally had a food bolus trapped in her cervical esophagus that required removal via esophagogastroduodenos-copy. A barium swallow revealed a narrowing in the upper esophagus. A repeat esophagogastroduodenosco-py revealed an esophageal web that was dilated, resulting in relief of symptoms. Dysphagia is reported in up to 10% of the elderly population. It commonly causes malnutrition and is associated with increased mortality. The usual etiologies include cognitive dysfunction, neurological disorders, and/or esophageal dysmotility or narrowing. Although the incidence of Plummer-Vinson syndrome has decreased over time, the possibility of its presence should not be overlooked. To our knowledge, the current case is the third case of dysphagia related to Plummer-Vinson syndrome reported in an octogenarian in the literature so far. Iron replacement can help resolve dysphagia in Plummer-Vinson syndrome but dilation of esophageal webs may sometimes be required.