A disorder linked to severe, long-term iron deficiency anemia ; resulting in swallowing difficulty caused by "webs" of tissue that grow in the hypopharynx or esophagus.
Alternative Names
Paterson-Kelly syndrome; Sideropenic dysphagia
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause is unknown. Genetic factors and nutritional deficiencies may play a role.
Treatment
Patients should receive iron supplementation. This may improve the difficulty swallowing. If not, the web can be dilated during upper endoscopy.
Expectations (prognosis)
Patients generally respond to treatment. There have been reports of an association with esophageal cancer.
Complications
Risk of perforation with dilators.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if food gets stuck after you swallow it or you have sever fatigue and weakness.
Prevention
Good nutrition may impact the disorder.