[Recurrent ischemic stroke revealing Biermer's disease]

Rev Neurol (Paris). 2009 Dec;165(12):1099-102. doi: 10.1016/j.neurol.2009.01.051.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Biermer's disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency. Ischemic stroke is an uncommon complication of Biermer's disease, possibly though hyperhomocysteinemia.

Case report: A 58-year-old male presented with recurrent ischemic stroke. Extensive investigations were normal, except for a high plasma level of homocysteine in the context of pernicious anemia which was otherwise asymptomatic.

Discussion: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known marker, and probably a risk factor, for stroke, fostering atherosclerosis and thrombosis. It can be found among individuals suffering from homocysteinuria, but also when there is deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Vitamin B12 supplementation would reduce homocysteine concentration which in turn would reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Pernicious / blood
  • Anemia, Pernicious / diagnosis*
  • Anemia, Pernicious / pathology
  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / blood
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / pathology
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / blood
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / etiology*
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Vitamin B 12 / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Homocysteine
  • Vitamin B 12