A Follow-up Study of Patients with Post-cricoid Webs

Abstract

Seventy-two patients in whom a post-cricoid web or stricture was seen radiologically or at oesophagoscopy have been followed up for periods varying from one to 18 years. Findings at the time of diagnosis are described with reference to age, sex, parity, dysphagia, radiological changes, oesophagoscopy, and evidence of iron deficiency. In all but nine patients a clear association with iron deficiency was established either at the time of diagnosis or in the past and recurrent anaemia was a common finding. Sixty-nine patients were traced and 49 returned for interview. Carcinoma of the oesophagus (one patient) and the piriform fossa (one patient) were the cause of death in two of the 14 patients who died. Post-cricoid carcinoma was diagnosed in two patients at the time of follow up. Persistent dysphagia and abnormalities in the post-cricoid area on radiological investigation and/or oesophagoscopy were frequently noted and evidence of iron deficiency was present in 60 per cent of patients at the time of follow up. In addition to iron-deficiency anaemia other conditions including malignant disease, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis were found in association with a post-cricoid web and a family history of all of these conditions was obtained. The significance of these findings is discussed.