Background

Vitamin B12 (VB12) is an essential water soluble vitamin important in cellular metabolism and maintenance of the integrity of the nervous system [1]. It is important in the synthesis of DNA and thus cell division [2]. Deficiency in vitamin B12 is associated with impaired erythropoiesis and nervous system demyelination, which account for most of its clinical manifestations [3, 4]. Globally, the most common aetiology of vitamin B12 deficiency is lack of intrinsic factor in patients with pernicious anaemia; a common finding in the elderly [4]. Other aetiologies include dietary deficiency and mal-absorption [5].

Clinically, VB12 deficiency presents mainly with neurological and psychiatric manifestations [5]. Neurological impairment usually presents as paraesthesia, numbness and ataxia [5, 6]. Laboratory investigations play an important role in the diagnosis and determination of the aetiologies of this deficiency. Laboratory investigations vital in diagnosing VB12 deficiency include mean corpuscular volume (MCV), peripheral blood smear (ovalomacrocytosis and hypersegmented neutrophils), cyanocobalamin levels, serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine [7]. Therapeutic trials have also been used for the diagnosis of VB12 deficiency [7]. Early diagnosis of VB12 deficiency is pivotal for timely management and in preventing long term complications which could account for significant morbidity. We herein report a rare case of VB 12 deficiency in a young patient from a resource-poor setting.

Case presentation

A 28 year-old sub-Saharan female presented with insidious onset of painful burning sensations on the upper trunk, symmetrical numbness and tingling sensation on the hands and feet, progressing over a 5 year-period. These symptoms began as intermittent burning sensations on the scapulae and pectoral regions of the upper trunk, which progressed to numbness and paraesthesia of the upper and lower limbs respectively. These were associated with mild weakness of the hands and feet, insomnia, irritability and constipation. There were no urinary symptoms, paralysis, gait disturbances, tremors, jaundice, limb swelling, changes in skin colour, or delusion. She had no known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, diabetes, thyroid disease, syphilis, liver disease, renal disease, diphtheria, spinal cord injury or exposure to heavy metals. She is a laboratory technician and unmarried. She had been on omeprazole for 4 years for recurrent dyspepsia. She neither smokes cigarette nor consumes alcohol. She consumes meat regularly on weekly bases. A review of her previous consultations and laboratory results showed the following results; Aspartate amino transferase: 15 U/I, Alanine amino transferase: 22 U/I, Haemoglobin: 11 g/dl, HIV test: negative, fasting blood sugar: 97 g/dl. Spinal x-ray done 1 month prior to consultation was unremarkable. She had taken multivitamins, calcium and magnesium tablets, tramadol, prednisolone, and benzathin penicillin since the onset of illness. Despite these medications, there was no relieve in her symptoms.

On physical examination, her vital signs were stable. Her Conjunctivae were mildly pale, sclerae anicteric, and tonsils were normal. There were no skin changes, cervical adenopathy, or thyroid mass. Cardio-respiratory exam was normal. There was no hepato-splenomegaly or signs of liver disease. On examination of the neurological system, pupillary size and reflexes were normal. Cranial nerves were normal. Muscle tone and power were normal on both upper and lower limbs. Sensation to touch, pain and temperature were normal. There was impaired proprioception in both upper limbs. Tendon and cutaneous reflexes were normal. Lhermitte’s sign was absent. Based on her presentation we suspected a peripheral neuropathy with HIV peripheral neuropathy, neurosyphilis, and vitamin B12 deficiency as differentials. Blood tests showed Hemoglobin: 10.5 g/dl, Red blood cell count: 3 million/mcl, reticulocyte count: 0.3%, Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV):110 fl, WBC: 8500 cells/μl, HIV test: negative, Treponema pallidum hematoglutinin assay (TPHA): negative, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): 10 mm/h, and peripheral blood smear analysis: ovalo-macrocytosis, and hyper-segmented neutophils. Stool exam and urinalysis were normal (Table 1). Serum cyanocobalamin levels were not assessed because of lack of diagnostic tools. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency related peripheral neuropathy was made based on her symptoms, ovalo-macrocytosis and hyper-segmented neutrophils on peripheral blood smear. She was treated with oral vitamin B12 tablets, at doses of 2 mg daily for 3 months. 1 month of therapy was marked with improvement in neurological symptoms and a follow up MCV of 97 fl, red blood cell count of 4.1 million/µl, and reticulocyte count of 0.95%.

Table 1 Laboratory results of a patient with Vitamin B12 deficiency neuropathy in a resource-limited setting of Cameroon
Full size table

Discussion and conclusion

Vitamin B12 is an essential water soluble vitamin which is important in cellular metabolism and maintenance of the integrity of the nervous system [1]. VB12 deficiency has numerous aetiologies which include; lack of intrinsic factor, nutritional deficiency, malabsorption and competition for VB12 [1, 4, 5].

The main neurological symptoms include: paraesthesia [8,9,10,11,12], ataxia [9,10,11,12], and limb weakness [9, 11]. The most prevalent psychiatric symptoms associated with B12 deficiency include, delusions [12, 13], irritability [13, 14], and decreased interest [15, 16]. Other manifestations included depression [12, 16] and sleep disturbances [12, 16]. These neurological symptoms are associated with other common illnesses like HIV infection, diabetes, syphilis, alcoholism, and some medications, thus posing a diagnostic challenge [17].

Basic laboratory investigations like full blood count (FBC) and peripheral blood smear analysis are vital in the diagnosis of this pathology [7] as evidenced by our case. Ovalo-macrocytosis and hyper-segmented neutrophils are important findings in VB12 deficiency [18], especially in settings were serum cyanocobalamin, methylmalonic and homocystein levels cannot be assessed. However, studies have designated that serum levels of VB12 can be unreliable for the assessment of VB12 deficiency [19]. Serum Transcobalamin II and methylmalonic acid levels are at present considered the most specific laboratory indices [19]. Nonetheless, Hyper-segmented neutrophils is reported to have a sensitivity of 98% [20], compared to serum cyanocobalamin with a sensitivity of 90–95% [21]. Thus, making peripheral blood smear analysis a cost effective tool in the diagnosis of VB12 deficiency, especially in settings like ours.

Anti-intrinsic factor and anti-parietal cell antibodies are important in diagnosing pernicious anaemia; a major aetiology of VB12 deficiency [7]. Conversely, mal-absorption from probable pernicious anaemia or chronic omeprazole use was the most likely aetiologies considered in this case. The response to oral VB12 supplement therefore pointed to chronic omeprazole use because intrinsic factor is needed for oral absorption.

The various methods of VB12 replacement therapy includes parenteral and oral [1]. Our patient was managed with oral VB12 tablets due to unavailability of the parenteral forms. It is known that VB12 is absorbed actively through its association with intrinsic factor. However, 1–2% of VB12 absorption occurs passively [22], thus oral replacement therapy can be as effective as parenteral therapy provided they are administered at high doses (2 mg daily) [23].

Therapeutic trials have also played vital roles in confirming VB12 deficiency, especially with follow up increases in MCV, RBC and Reticulocyte count [7, 24]. Follow up analysis of our case showed normalization of MCV, RBC and reticulocyte counts, which are important indices to assess therapeutic diagnosis and response in patients with VB12 deficiency.

This case emphasizes the importance of increased index of suspicion of Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients presenting with peripheral neuropathic symptoms. It also underscores the invaluable role of basic investigations like peripheral blood smear and the vitality of therapeutic trials which are pivotal to the timely detection and management of vitamin B12 associated neurological disease in resource-limited settings. Although this pathology is common in the old, young patients should be considered.