A 64-year-old man presented with blackish pigmentation of skin and tongue for more than 2 years that did not improve with local remedies. He had no history of comorbid medical or surgical illnesses. General examination showed severe hyperpigmentation of skin and mucosa and also showed anaemia. Systemic examination was unremarkable except for Romberg sign and mild hyperreflexia. Adrenal insufficiency was ruled out by normal cortisol levels and haemogram showed macrocytosis with hypersegmented neutrophils suggestive of severe vitamin B12 deficiency which confirmed by low serum B12 levels. After 3 months of parenteral vitamin B12 treatment, the pigmentation and anaemia improved significantly. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation due to B12 deficiency is postulated to be increased melanin deposition in the basal layer of the epidermis. Since vitamin B12 deficiency is not uncommonly encountered in general practice, atypical presentation of this easily diagnosable and treatable condition is emphasised.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.