Open AccessHyperpigmentation with Vitamin B12 Deficiency in an Adolescent Girl
Author(s) -
Syeda Humaida Hasan,
Rasheda Samad,
Jagadish C Das,
Ferdous Ara,
Mohammad Abu Faisal
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of bangladesh college of physicians and surgeons/journal of bangladesh college of physicians and surgeons
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2309-6365
pISSN - 1015-0870
DOI - 10.3329/jbcps.v39i1.50461
Subject(s) - medicine , hyperpigmentation , vitamin b12 , anemia , skin hyperpigmentation , girl , dermatology , megaloblastic anemia , glossitis , pediatrics , surgery , pathology , tongue , psychology , developmental psychology
Hyperpigmentation as primary symptom is rare in vitamin B12 deficiency. This adolescent non vegetarian girl presented with hyperpigmentation, anaemia, glossitis and weight loss. She was worked up to find out the cause of anemia and hyperpigmentation. Addison disease was a strong provisional diagnosis. Her cortisol level was normal and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency was found. All of her symptoms were dramatically improved by injectable cobalamin. As vitamin B12 deficiency is a treatable condition so it should be ruled out in patient presenting with hyperpigmentation. Early replacement therapy also prevents multisystem involvement like bone marrow failure and demyelinating neurological disease.
J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2021; 39(1): 62-67