Plummer Vinson syndrome - Is it common in males?

Abstract

Background - Plummer-Vinson syndrome is characterized by a triad of dysphagia, iron deficiency anemia and esophageal web. Most of the patients are middle aged women in the fourth to seventh decade of life. Objective - Very few cases of Plummer-Vinson syndrome affecting males have been reported. Here we report a series of male patients found to be suffering from Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Methods - Five males presented to us with dysphagia and fatigue of various durations, from April to August, 2012. Results - These patients were found to have iron deficiency anemia and esophageal web on subsequent investigations and were treated successfully with oral iron therapy. Conclusion - Plummer-Vinson syndrome is common in both males and females and can be successfully treated with oral iron therapy. The patients have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal malignancies and should be thoroughly evaluated for the same.