skip to main content

Plummer-Vinson Syndrome — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardOral MedicinePlummer-Vinson SyndromeMFDS Part 1

A 46-year-old woman has gradually progressive, painless dysphagia for solid food. Investigations confirm iron-deficiency anaemia. Which additional structural finding would complete the defining triad of Plummer–Vinson (Paterson–Brown–Kelly) syndrome?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — A thin post-cricoid upper oesophageal mucosal web

The correct answer is B. Plummer–Vinson syndrome is defined by the triad of iron-deficiency anaemia, dysphagia and a thin post-cricoid or upper oesophageal mucosal web. Thus, in this patient, demonstration of the web completes the triad. A lower oesophageal ring at the gastro-oesophageal junction is a Schatzki ring. A posterior pharyngoesophageal diverticulum describes a Zenker diverticulum, while a cricopharyngeal bar is a muscular prominence rather than a mucosal web. An irregular stricture should raise concern for malignancy rather than establish the syndrome, although Plummer–Vinson syndrome is associated with an increased risk of hypopharyngeal and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Reference: Goel A, Bakshi SS, Soni N, Chhavi N. Iron deficiency anemia and Plummer-Vinson syndrome: current insights. Journal of Blood Medicine. 2017;8:175–184. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29089792/