Main Entry: Plum·mer–Vin·son syndrome

Pronunciation: \ˈpləm-ər-ˈvin(t)-sən-\

Function: noun

: a condition that is marked especially by the growth of a mucous membrane across the esophageal lumen, by difficulty in swallowing, and by hypochromic anemia and that is usually considered to be due to an iron deficiency

Plummer, Henry Stanley (1874–1936), American physician. Plummer made his most important contributions in the study of the thyroid gland and thyroid diseases. He developed a new classification of thyroid diseases that led to a general recognition of the value of iodine in the preoperative treatment of Graves' disease. He published a monograph on the thyroid gland in 1926. His work generated a surge of interest in thyroid function. Plummer also made significant improvements in methods for dilating esophageal strictures, for the relief of cardiospasm, and for removing foreign bodies from air passages. In a 1912 paper on diffuse dilation of the esophagus without cardiospasm, he described a syndrome of dysphagia, glossitis, and hypochromic anemia.

Vinson, Porter Paisley (1890–1959), American surgeon. Vinson's primary area of research centered on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the esophagus. He published major works on the subject in 1940 and 1947. In 1919 he published his own report on the syndrome that had been discussed by Plummer in 1912. The syndrome is now known as the Plummer-Vinson syndrome in honor of both men.