[Ischemic, an uncommon complication of Biermer disease (pernicious anemia)]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2006 Oct;162(10):1007-10. doi: 10.1016/s0035-3787(06)75112-8.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke in a young adult justifies an extensive etiologic workup.

Observation: We present a 44-year-old women victim of a frontal ischemic stroke. Extensive evaluation was normal, except for high plasma level of homocysteine in the context of pernicious anemia, otherwise asymptomatic.

Discussion: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known marker, and probably risk factor for stroke, fostering atherosclerosis and thrombosis. It can be found among individuals suffering from homocystinuria, in individuals homozygous for the MHTFR T allele but also when there is deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Although it is very seldom ascribed, pernicious anemia would be a cause of stroke, possibly though hyperhomocysteinemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Pernicious / diagnosis*
  • Brain / pathology
  • Female
  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / diagnosis
  • Ischemia / etiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Substances

  • Homocysteine