Plummer-Vinson syndrome causes

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

Overview

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 increased iron demands, decreased intake and malabsorption syndromes.

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 such as:
  • 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 of esophagus, stomach, or colon
    • Hookworms

  • Genitourinary tract disorders such as:

    • Glomerulonephritis
    • Renal calculi
    • Renal or bladder carcinoma

  • 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
  • Hypochlorhydria
  • Taking too many antacids that contain calcium
  • Whipple disease
  • Kwashiorkor disease
  • Alcoholism

Less common causes

• Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (recurrent hemorrhage)
• Intravascular hemolysis (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)