Plummer-Vinson Syndrome
• It is a syndrome characterized by iron deficiency anemia + membrane in the post-cricoid area of the cervical esophagus + splenomegaly.
• The risk of esophageal squamous cell cancer increases in these patients.
Mallory-Weis Syndrome
• It is a linear mucosal tear in the esophagus due to severe vomiting and associated upper GI bleeding, which is often seen after alcohol consumption or in pregnant women.
• The tear is located just below the gastro-esophageal junction.
• Diagnosis is made by endoscopy.
• If there is active bleeding, endoscopic treatment is performed, otherwise the patient is discharged.
Boerhaave Syndrome
• Tear (perforation) in all layers of the esophagus due to a sudden increase in esophageal pressure. It is usually located on the left above the gastroesophageal junction.
• It is often seen due to sudden and strong retching and vomiting after excessive alcohol intake.
• There is severe chest pain radiating to the left hypochondrium, left shoulder or back.
• Subcutaneous emphysema and crepitation may develop in the neck.
• In suspected cases, chest X-ray is taken first and air in the mediastinum is typical. CT is the most sensitive method for demonstrating mediastinal air.
• Endoscopy is not performed in suspected Boerhaave syndrome.
• X-ray taken with a water-soluble opaque substance (gastrografin) confirms the diagnosis.