A case of subacute combined spinal cord degeneration and suspected leukoencephalopathy associated with vitamin B12 deficiency showing improved imaging findings after vitamin B12 administration

J Med Invest. 2022;69(3.4):299-301. doi: 10.2152/jmi.69.299.

Abstract

We report a case of subacute combined spinal cord degeneration (SCD) caused by vegetarianism and autoimmune gastritis, which is rarely reported in Japan, and which showed improvement in symptoms and imaging findings after vitamin B12 administration. As delayed treatment can lead to irreversible damage, we suggest that patients with characteristic abnormal signals in the posterior cervical cord should be examined while considering the possibility that SCD may occur even in the absence of a history of gastrectomy or heavy drinking. We also describe the patient's reversible abnormal signals in the cerebral white matter on magnetic resonance imaging, indicative of an early sign of leukoencephalopathy associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 299-301, August, 2022.

Keywords: autoimmune gastritis; leukoencephalopathy; subacute combined spinal cord degeneration; vegetarianism; vitamin B12.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Leukoencephalopathies* / complications
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Subacute Combined Degeneration* / diagnostic imaging
  • Subacute Combined Degeneration* / drug therapy
  • Subacute Combined Degeneration* / etiology
  • Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency* / complications
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency* / diagnostic imaging
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency* / drug therapy
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin B 12