Plummer-Vinson syndrome or related syndrome in 3 black African women

The Plummer-Vinson syndrome or "sideropenic dysphagia" is exceptional among Blacks. One case was recently reported in a female patient from Guadeloupe. This study pertains to three cases observed in Senegalese Black women aged 28, 27, and 41 years. These three women were admitted for a dys...

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Published inAnnales de gastroenterologie et d'hepatologie Vol. 21; no. 2; p. 113
Main Authors Aubry, P, Oddes, B, Chazouillères, O, Lebourgeois, M, Delanoue, G, Seurat, P L
Format Journal Article
LanguageFrench
Published France 01.02.1985
Subjects
Adult
African Continental Ancestry Group
Blood Transfusion
Deglutition Disorders - diagnosis
Esophageal Stenosis - therapy
Esophagoscopy
Female
Humans
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome - blood
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome - diagnosis
Plummer-Vinson Syndrome - therapy
Senegal
Senegal
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Summary:The Plummer-Vinson syndrome or "sideropenic dysphagia" is exceptional among Blacks. One case was recently reported in a female patient from Guadeloupe. This study pertains to three cases observed in Senegalese Black women aged 28, 27, and 41 years. These three women were admitted for a dysphagia, in fact in evidence 10, 4, and 7 years respectively before the diagnosis was made. A clinical anemia was noted twice in addition to mucocutaneous disorders (cases 1 and 2). The laboratory tests showed in all three cases a hypochromic microcytic sideropenic anemia (serum iron levels at 32, 14, and 31 mcg 100 ml respectively). Barium swallow films showed esophageal rings in front of C5-C6 (case 1) of T2-T3 (case 2) and a web of fine mucosal folds in front of C5-C6 (case 3). These films were confirmed cineradiographically by esophagoscopy. The treatment consisted of blood transfusions (cases 1 and 2) and administration of iron by injections and or per os. The endoscopic exams were repeated two or three times. Medical treatment rapidly changed the course of disease for the better. No cause for bleeding was found. A chemical achlorhydria (case 1), a provoked hypoachlorhydria (cases 2 and 3) can be retained as associated factors. In light of the frequency of esophageal membranes in the general population and the incidence of sideropenic anemias among African women, the Plummer-Vinson syndrome should be more often detected in Black Africa.
ISSN:0066-2070