The results of a barium esophagram reveal esophageal webbing in a woman with long-standing iron deficiency anemia. Her diagnosis is:
A. Barretts esophagus.
B. achalasia.
C. Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
D. Dresslers syndrome.
E. Ogilvies syndrome.
Answer: C, Plummer-Vinson syndrome.
Plummer-Vinson is something to know for those who want a 100% on the exam. There is no need to memorize this. More importantly, webbing in the distal esophagus with no other symptoms but dysphagia would be a Shatzki's ring (much more common). Barrett's causes GERD symptoms and dysplasia of the esophageal mucosa. Achalasia is a primary neurologic problem of the esophagus causing dysphagia.
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If you are studying for the PANCE or the PANRE I recommend these Review Books.