FREQUENCY OF PLUMER-VERSION SYNDROME IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH DYSPHAGIA IN ENT DEPARTMENT NISHTAR HOSPITAL

Introduction: The Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) is an uncommon disorder characterized by iron deficiency anaemia, oesophagal webs and dysphagia, frequently found in Pakistan and other developing countries where nutritional deficiency may be the cause. Objective: The frequency of Plummer-Vinson syndrome was to be measured in patients who presented with dysphagia to the ENT Department, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan. Materials and Method: The study was descriptive and cross-sectional, conducted from September 2018 to March 2019 in Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Patients with malignancy, neurogenic causes or foreign body-related dysphagia were excluded. The study was performed on 97 patients aged 15 to 45 years. Data collected were ENT history, physical examination, iron studies and barium swallow X-ray and were analyzed with SPSS 20. Results: Of 97 patients, 10 (10.31%) were diagnosed with PVS. Mean age was 31.85 ± 7.93 years; 61.86% were male. No significant association was found with age, gender, or symptom duration (p>0.05). Conclusion: PVS is a notable cause of dysphagia in Pakistan, requiring early diagnosis to reduce morbidity and cancer risk.