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Plummer-Vinson syndrome - Nail and Distal Digit
See also in: Oral Mucosal Lesion
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Plummer-Vinson syndrome - Nail and Distal Digit

See also in: Oral Mucosal Lesion
Contributors: Bertrand Richert MD, Robert Baran MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a rare condition, characterized by iron-deficiency anemia, seen in conjunction with glossitis and dysphagia. Improved nutrition is presumably the reason for the decline in reported cases, although certain "fad" diets could play a role currently. Most reported patients have been women between 30 and 50 years of age and of Scandinavian or Northern European descent.

Patients typically complain of a burning sensation of the oral mucosa, resulting in intolerance to dentures. Clinical findings include angular cheilitis and marked atrophy of lingual papillae producing a smooth, red appearance. Systemic features include dysphagia due to esophageal webs or strictures, koilonychia, and brittle nails. Fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness are characteristic symptoms of the iron-deficiency anemia.

Risk factors include iron-deficiency anemia in women of Northern European descent. The process evolves slowly and is progressive unless treated.

Codes

ICD10CM:
D50.1 – Sideropenic dysphagia

SNOMEDCT:
80126007 – Plummer-Vinson syndrome

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Last Updated:01/15/2020
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Plummer-Vinson syndrome - Nail and Distal Digit
See also in: Oral Mucosal Lesion
A medical illustration showing key findings of Plummer-Vinson syndrome : Atrophic patch tongue, Mouth pain, Dysphagia, Spoon nail, RBC decreased
Clinical image of Plummer-Vinson syndrome - imageId=2555260. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Marked atrophy of lingual papillae producing a smooth, red appearance to the tongue with an erosion on the distal tongue.'
Marked atrophy of lingual papillae producing a smooth, red appearance to the tongue with an erosion on the distal tongue.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.