Syndrome Plummer-Vinson: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

The Syndrome of Plummer-Vinson is a systemic disease. Its main symptoms - a decrease in hemoglobin associated with iron deficiency, atrophy of the mucosa of the digestive system and trouble swallowing. In addition, the patients have deviations and other organs and systems. Patients complain of poor condition of nails and skin, inflammation of the tongue, blurred vision. This is a complex disease, difficult therapy. The disease occurs predominantly in women aged 20 to 50 years.

Etiology

Medical research has not determined the exact cause of the syndrome of Plummer-Vinson. It is assumed that this pathology occurs due to deficiency of enzymes involved in the metabolism of iron. The result is a deficiency of vitamin B2 and B9 (Riboflavin and folic acid). And body become starved of iron. The lack of this element leads to anemia, weakness of the muscles involved in the act of swallowing, pathological changes of the epithelium of the esophagus and stomach.

Other causes of the disease can be malnutrition in which the diet contains enough food with iron, as well as genetic predisposition.

Some medical scientists believe that this disease is associated with autoimmune disorders. Often the syndrome of Plummer-Vinson found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis and intolerance of the protein gluten.

Symptoms

At the beginning of the disease, patients complain of weakness, fatigue, tiredness. They have palpitations. These are the first signs of iron deficiency anemia. Next, start the system, changes in many organs, resulting in the following symptoms:

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1. The Person becomes difficult to swallow food, while there are pain in the esophagus. First, the patient can not only eat coarse food. But then difficulties arise even when swallowing soft foods and liquids.
2. Due to the atrophy of the mucosa occurs the lesion of the upper part of the esophagus. Then develops gastritis and enteritis.
3. The Nails become thinner, and acquire a concave shape.
4. The Skin becomes greasy, inflamed and covered with acne.
5. In the corners of the mouth, you may notice inflamed cracks.
6. Lips inflamed, red and peel.
7. Iron Deficiency leads to the color change of the whites of the eyes. The sclera a bluish or bluish tint. The patient begins to see worse in low light or in the dark. Can occur diseases of the eye: keratitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis.
8. Urine has a reddish color.
9. Characteristic changes of smell and taste. The patient has an addiction to unpleasant odors and spicy, salty or sour food.
10. Language becomes red, inflamed. Its surface is smoothed and looks lacquered. Such indication can be found in 10% of patients with syndrome of Plummer-Vinson. Photo language the patient can see below.

If you detect such symptoms should immediately consult a doctor. Therapy of this pathology involved physicians, hematologists and gastroenterologists. The disease is dangerous complications. Atrophic changes in the mucosa of the stomach and esophagus, it can lead to the formation of malignant tumors in these organs.

According to ICD-10 the syndrome of Plummer-Vinson indicated by a code of D50.1, as one of the types of iron deficiency anemia. Another name for this disease sideropenic dysphagia.

Diagnostics

A Preliminary diagnosis can be made on the basis of complaints of the patient and characteristic changes of skin, nails, tongue. This allows the doctor to suspect a patient with iron deficiency anemia. To clarify the nature of the pathology it is necessary to examine the blood picture and the condition of the esophagus.

Assigned to detailed haematological analysis. In patients with the syndrome of Plummer-Vinson revealed reduced hemoglobin, the change of the correct shape and size of red blood cells, flattening of blood cells. In addition, it should be tested on the content of ferritin. Patients this rate is usually drastically reduced.

An Important role in the diagnosis of the syndrome of Plummer-Vinson plays examination of the condition of the esophagus. It is necessary to make roentgenography of this body, and esophagoscopy. Patients present thickening and cornification of the epithelium of the esophagus. The x-rays, you may notice a pattern in the form of "web" in the upper part of the body.

Treatment

Patients with the syndrome of Plummer-Vinson prescribe iron supplements, medicines containing Riboflavin, folic acid, pyridoxine and lactoflavin. Patients need to take medications that enhance gastric secretion and digestion. It is recommended that a diet high in protein and vitamin B6. Patients it is helpful to include in the diet dairy products, liver, meat, eggs, vegetables.

Forecast

In the early stages of the syndrome Plummer-Vinson timely treatment and diet will help to achieve long-term remission and improve well-being. However, when symptoms prognosis unfavorable. In advanced cases, to cure this pathology is almost impossible.

Patients suffering from thissyndrome, should periodically undergo a thorough gastroenterological and cancer screening, as the atrophic changes of the esophagus is considered a precancerous condition.

Prevention

Specific prophylaxis of the syndrome of Plummer-Vinson is currently not developed, as the exact cause of the pathology is not installed. However, you can reduce the likelihood of developing this disease. It is necessary to include in the diet foods rich in iron and b vitamins, to lead an active lifestyle with reasonable exercise and systematically control the level of hemoglobin. All this will help to minimize the risk of iron deficiency anemia.