An Exceptional Case of Cobalamin Deficiency that Presented with Extremely High Indirect Bilirubin Levels

Abstract

Cobalamin deficiency anemia is a type of anemia that present with weakness, fatigue, icteric sclera and neuropathy. Main causes of cobalamin deficiency are low intake or decreased absorption (gastric and intestinal causes). In present case, we report a 65-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of cobalamin deficiency including bilateral peripheral neuropathy, icteric skin and sclera, and abdominal pain in right upper quadrant. He had low cobalamin and extremely high bilirubin levels (8mg/dL) in serum. After the diagnosis of cobalamin deficiency established, 1mg daily cobalamin treatment initiated for five days which would follow weekly and monthly intramuscular injections consequently. Hemolysis and other causes of elevated indirect bilirubin levels were excluded in differential diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory improvements were achieved after the treatment. In conclusion, physicians should kept in mind cobalamin deficiency even in subjects with unusual high levels of indirect bilirubin.