All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The esophageal membrane
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
The esophageal membrane (Plummer-Vinson Syndrome or Peterson-Kelly, Sideropenic Dysphagia) is a thin membrane of the mucosa that grows across the lumen of the esophagus.
Membranes sometimes occur in patients with severe iron deficiency anemia; they develop even more rarely in patients without anemia.
Membranes usually develop in the upper esophagus, causing dysphagia when taking solid food. They are best diagnosed radiologically with a sip of barium. Resorption of the membrane occurs in parallel with the treatment of anemia, the membrane can be easily stretched during esophagoscopy.