Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of
Abstract
The combination of symptomatic hypopharyngeal webs and iron-deficiency anemia in
middle-aged women constitutes Plummer-Vinson syndrome. It is uncommon but important syndrome
because of inceased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and esophagus. The cause of
this syndrome is still not clear. A small sized web is treated by correction of anemia, but a large
sized one with dysphagia is treated by breakage of web. Recently, we experienced a 41-year-old
woman with Plummer-Vinson syndrome. She complained of dysphagia for 10 years. Esophagogram and
endoscopic examination showed a hypopharyngeal web and peripheral blood profile was compatible
with iron-deficiency anemia. Her symptom improved after endoscopic balloon dilatation of the upper
esophageal web. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2004; 28:6770)
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