TWO CASES OF PLUMMER-VINSON SYNDROME SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH ENDOSCOPIC BALLOON DILATATION

Abstract

We herein discuss two cases, a 78 year-old woman and 43 year-old woman. They had chronic iron deficiency anemia and had gradually developed dysphagia. Esophageal webs were revealed on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a barium esophagogram. These webs were diagnosed as Plummer-Vinson syndrome. We performed endoscopic balloon dilatation, and the patients' symptoms quickly improved. Endoscopic balloon dilatation is easy and safe to perform, and is therefore proposed as a good primary approach in cases of dysphagia with an esophageal web.