Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes

Plummer-Vinson syndrome Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Plummer-Vinson syndrome from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes
CDC on Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes
Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes in the news
Blogs on Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes
Directions to Hospitals Treating Plummer-Vinson syndrome
Risk calculators and risk factors for Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[2]

Causes

The cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome is unknown; however, iron deficiency anemia, genetic factors and nutritional deficiencies may play a role. Iron deficiency anemia is the most widely regarded cause of Plummer-Vinson syndrome and can be due to:

Common causes

Common causes of iron deficiency anemia associated with Plummer-Vinson syndrome are:

• Physiological conditions with increased iron requirements are seen with:
  • Growth
  • Pregnancy
  • Frequent blood donation

• Conditions promoting blood loss leads to an increased demand of iron by the body. These include:
  • Menstruation
  • Gastrointestinal tract disorders such as:

    • Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcers
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Esophageal varices
    • NSAIDs (aspirin,ibuprofen
    • Cancer in the esophagus, stomach, or colon
    • Hookworms

  • Genitourinary tract disorders such as:

    • Glomerulonephritis
    • Renal calculi

  • Hemoptysis (alveolar hemorrhage)
  • Nosocomial blood loss: phlebotomy for diagnostic tests in hospitalized patients
  • Following gastric or small bowel surgery: due to loss of gastric acidity, increased transit time for food, and decreased absorption of iron

• Conditions leading to impaired iron absorption
  • Celiac disease
  • Tropical sprue
  • Gastric surgery
  • Hypochorhydria
  • Taking too many antacids that contain calcium
  • Whipple disease
  • Kwashiorkor disease
  • Alcoholism

Less common causes

• Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: recurrent hemorrhage
• Intravascular hemolysis: for example, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
• Iatrogenic causes such as frequent blood draws, particularly in hospitalized patients
  • Inadequate diet in children (excessive consumption of whole cow's milk)