[Plummer Vinson syndrome].

Background: Plummer Vinson syndrome is a rare affection which affects mainly white women. It is characterized by dysphagia, iron deficiency and the presence of superior esophageal web.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to precise the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutical features of the affection.

Methods: We report 19 cases of Plummer Vinson syndrome collected over 15 years (1990- 2004).

Results: Dysphagia is the main symptom observed in 100% of the cases. 89.4% of the patients had anemia and 15 hyposideremy. All the patients were treated with iron supplementation and endoscopic treatment (dilatation and rupture of esophageal webs). Three patients necessitate multiple sessions of endoscopic dilatation and 15 had favourable evolution. The malignancy was observed in one case.