Subacute combined spinal cord degeneration and pancytopenia secondary to severe vitamin B12 deficiency

Authors

  • José Luis Cabrerizo-García Defense General Hospital
  • Mariano Sebastián-Royo Defense General Hospital
  • Nerea Montes Defense General Hospital
  • Begoña Zalba-Etayo Defense General Hospital

Keywords:

Vitamin B 12 deficiency, Subacute combined degeneration, Pancytopenia, Digestive system abnormalities, Nervous system diseases

Abstract

CONTEXT: Decreased vitamin B12 concentration does not usually result in clinical or hematological abnormalities. Subacute combined spinal cord degeneration and pancytopenia are two serious and rarely displayed consequences that appear in severe deficits. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a patient with subacute combined spinal cord degeneration and pancytopenia secondary to severe and sustained vitamin B12 deficiency. Such cases are rare nowadays and have potentially fatal consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B12 deficiency should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis in cases of blood disorders or severe neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid irreversible consequences.

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Author Biographies

José Luis Cabrerizo-García, Defense General Hospital

MD, PhD. Internal Medicine Physician, Internal Medicine Service, Defense General Hospital. Zaragoza, Spain.

Mariano Sebastián-Royo, Defense General Hospital

MD. Internal Medicine Physician, Internal Medicine Service, Defense General Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.

Nerea Montes, Defense General Hospital

MD. Intensive Care Physician, Intensive Care Service, Defense General Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.

Begoña Zalba-Etayo, Defense General Hospital

MD, PhD. Intensive Care Physician, Intensive Care Service, “Lozano Blesa” University Clinical Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.

References

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Published

2012-07-07

How to Cite

1.
Cabrerizo-García JL, Sebastián-Royo M, Montes N, Zalba-Etayo B. Subacute combined spinal cord degeneration and pancytopenia secondary to severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Sao Paulo Med J [Internet]. 2012 Jul. 7 [cited 2025 Mar. 9];130(4):259-62. Available from: https://periodicosapm.emnuvens.com.br/spmj/article/view/1477

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Section

Case Report