PLUMMER VINSON SYNDROME--is it common in males?

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hematology

Background:

• Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by dysphagia, iron deficiency anemia, and esophageal webs.
• It predominantly affects middle-aged women, with limited reports on male prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a series of male patients diagnosed with Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
• To highlight the occurrence of this syndrome in males.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of five male patients presenting with dysphagia and fatigue.
• Diagnostic workup included investigations for iron deficiency anemia and esophageal webs.

Main Results:

• All five male patients presented with symptoms of dysphagia and fatigue.
• Iron deficiency anemia and esophageal webs were confirmed in all patients.
• Successful treatment was achieved with oral iron therapy.

Conclusions:

• Plummer-Vinson syndrome occurs in both males and females.
• Oral iron therapy is an effective treatment for Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
• Patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome have an increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies, necessitating thorough evaluation.