Case Reports
Subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord, optic atrophy and thrombocytopenia without anemia secondary to B12 deficiency
Authors:
Charith Perera ,
The National Hospital Sri Lanka (NHSL), LK
F. G. Sivagnanam,
The National Hospital Sri Lanka (NHSL), LK
About F. G.
Consultant Physician
Y. Ranaweera,
The National Hospital Sri Lanka (NHSL), LK
About Y.
Consultant Physician
S. Wijesooriya
The National Hospital Sri Lanka (NHSL), LK
About S.
Senior registrar in Medicine
Abstract
Long-standing vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological manifestations such as optic atrophy and subacute combined degeneration of the cord without causing significant anemia. In addition, folic acid supplementation could mask the hematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency and delay the presentation of neurological manifestations
We present a case of a 32-year-old vegan woman on long-term sodium valproate and folic acid treatment presenting with progressive weakness of bilateral lower limbs for three months and reduced vision in both eyes for two weeks duration. Further evaluation revealed optic atrophy, combined degeneration of the spinal cord, macrocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and severely deficient serum B12 levels. With B12 replacement therapy, the patient’s overall wellbeing improved.
How to Cite:
Perera, C., Sivagnanam, F.G., Ranaweera, Y. and Wijesooriya, S., 2021. Subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord, optic atrophy and thrombocytopenia without anemia secondary to B12 deficiency. Journal of the Ruhunu Clinical Society, 26(1), pp.41–44. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jrcs.v26i1.105
Published on
15 Dec 2021.
Peer Reviewed
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