The Plummer-Vinson syndrome is characterized by dysphagia, iron-deficiency anemia, and esophageal webs. The webs are best diagnosed by cineradiography. Iron repletion often improves the dysphagia, although some patients require esophageal dilatation or bougienage. The syndrome is associated with an increased incidence of postcricoid carcinoma, and surveillance endoscopy is recommended.
(Arch Intern Med. 1995;155:2008-2011)