A case of Plummer-Vinson syndrome successfully treated by endoscopic balloon dilation and H. pylori eradication therapy

A 62-year-old woman who recognized dysphagia for more than ten years was referred from a local doctor to our hospital for consultation. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and revealed an esophageal stenosis that the scope insertion was impossible. She was diagnosed as having Plummer-Vinson syndrome by glossitis, perleche, iron deficiency anemia and esophageal stenosis. At first, an esophageal passage of food was improved by endoscopic balloon dilation. Multiple gastric scars and ulcers were also detected by endoscopy. Because H. pylori was positive, eradication therapy was performed. H. pylori was successfully eradicated and all symptoms disappeared. Since then, the condition of the patient became good. In this case, it was speculated that Plummer-Vinson syndrome including iron deficiency anemia was closely related with H. pylori infection.