The results of a barium esophagram reveal esophageal webbing in a woman with long-standing iron deficiency anemia. Her diagnosis is:
- Barrett's esophagus
- achalasia
- Plummer-Vinson syndrome
- Dressler's syndrome
- Ogilvie's 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 Schatzki'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.
Know Your Content Blueprint
Diseases of the esophagus are covered in the NCCPA™ GI and Nutrition Content Blueprint (10%)
Review the PANCE/PANRE diseases of the esophagus which covers esophagitis, motility disorders, Mallory Weiss tears, esophageal neoplasms, esophageal strictures, and esophageal varices: Diseases of the Esophagus (PEARLS)