Plummer Vinson Syndrome in an Adolescent Male: A Rare Case

A sixteen year old boy presented with symptoms of difficulty in swallowing, fatigue, progressive breathlessness along with loss of appetite and weight over a two year period. Dysphagia was slowly progressive and mainly limited to solid foods. Breathlessness was initially present during exertion, now progressed to daily routine activities. On examination the child had severe pallor, koilonychias, angular cheilitis and a just palpable spleen. Child’s weight was 36kgs (centile) and height 148cms (centile). BMI was 16.8. Laboratory evaluation revealed haemoglobin level of 4.3gm/dl, MCV 55fl (80.7-95.5), MCH10pg (27.2-33.5), MCHC 19%, serum iron 11ig/dl (59-158), transferring saturation of 1.8% and ferritin level 26.9ng/ ml (30-400) [3]. All these were suggestive of severe iron deficiency anemia. Stool for occult blood was negative, sickle cell test negative. Serology for viral markers was non reactive. PT and aPTT with INR were within normal limits. Hb electrophoresis done was normal. Peripheral smear revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia. Reticulocyte count was ----. Bone marrow aspiration cytology revealed moderate degree of erythroid hyperplasia with normal myelopoeisis and normal maturation. Mega-karyopoesis was also normal and there was no evidence of abnormal cells. Upper GI endoscopy revealed presence of a post cricoids web in the cervical esophagus Figure 1.

Figure 1:

The scope could not be passed beyond the level of the web. Endoscopic balloon dilatation was done by surgical gastroenterologist subsequently, following which endoscope could be passed beyond the esophagus up to the duodenum. Child had received 3 units of packed cell transfusion during his stay in the hospital and was administered on oral elemental iron at 6mg/kg/day. At the end of 1 month of therapy, fatigue and Dysphagia disappeared. Child started gaining weight and his general condition was good with no complaints of Dysphagia. Repeat haemoglobin was 10.3mg/dl with an MCV of 76fl.

PVS presents as a classic triad of dysphagia, upper esophageal web(s) and iron deficiency anemia. Most of the patients are middle aged women in the age group of 40-70 years. It is thought to occur by blood losses from menstruation and pregnancies. Its occurrence in childhood and adolescence is quite rare [5]. To our knowledge only 11 cases have been reported in English literature till now [4]. Symptoms resulting from anemia such as pallor, fatigue and weakness may dominate the clinical picture. In our case pallor, fatigue and dysphagia were the presenting symptoms past 2 years.

Exact mechanism not known, most probable mechanism is iron deficiency. Theory is based on rapid losses of iron dependant enzymes due to its high cell turnover. Reduction of these enzymes may cause mucosal degenerations, atrophic changes and web formation. Studies done by Dantos and Miranda showed that iron deficiency decreased the contraction amplitude of the esophageal muscle, resulting in motility impairment in the form of slower transit time of proximal and middle parts of lower esophagus [5]. Lack of recurrence following balloon dilatation and iron therapy also support this theory. Other theories are the genetic predisposition, malnutrition and auto immunity. Celiac disease, thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis have been reported with PVS.

To conclude though PVS is rare especially in childhood, any child presenting with dysphagia and iron deficiency anemia should be investigated for PVS. The prognosis is good, except for possibility of malignant transformation. Hence regular follow up is necessary.

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3. Hasan S, Khan NI, Siddiqui A (2013) Plummer vinson syndrome-A premalignant condition-an overview of literature. Journal of Medical and Dental Sciences 1(1): 28-30.
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5. Mahesh CG (2015) Plummer vinson syndrome in males: a rare case. Medica Innovatica 4(2): 41-42.