What esophageal condition is associated with iron deficiency?

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is associated with iron deficiency and is characterized by a triad of symptoms: dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), iron deficiency anemia, and esophageal webs. The condition is typically seen in middle-aged women and is linked to nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron. The presence of esophageal webs can lead to narrowed esophageal lumen, which contributes to the symptoms of dysphagia.

In contrast, esophagitis can be caused by various factors, including infections, reflux disease, and irritants, but it is not directly associated with iron deficiency. Achalasia, a disorder of the esophagus characterized by the inability to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, primarily causes dysphagia due to impaired motility rather than iron deficiency. Esophageal varices, which are dilated veins of the esophagus, are a result of portal hypertension and primarily occur in patients with liver disease; they do not relate to iron deficiency either.

Thus, Plummer-Vinson syndrome is the specific esophageal condition that directly correlates with iron deficiency.