esoophageal web

Introduction

Mucosal membranous bridging across the esophageal lumen.

Etiology

• iron-deficiency anemia
  • Plummer-Vinson syndrome

Pathology

• webbing of the mucosa at the junction of the hypopharynx & the esophagus
• irregular atrophy

Laboratory

• complete blood count
• iron studies (serum iron, TIBC, serum ferritin)

Diagnostic procedures

• upper GI endoscopy, esophagoscopy

Management

• dilatation with large rubber bougies
• excision with biopsy forceps during endoscopy

More general terms

• abnormal morphologic structure (malformation)