Pernicious anemia in a patient with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and alopecia areata universalis

Abstract

A 27-year-old male, who had developed diabetes mellitus type 1 (DMT1) since the age of eighteen and alopecia areata universalis nine months later, attended the outpatient clinics complaining of general fatigue and shortness of breath. A Schilling test was indicative of pernicious anemia. Antigastric parietal cell (AGPA) and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies were positive, confirming diagnosis of pernicious anemia. Thyroid and Addison's disease were excluded. Gastroscopy revealed atrophic gastritis without any evidence of carcinoid tumors. The aim of this case, which, to our knowledge, is the first one to describe a correlation between diabetes mellitus Type 1 (DMT1), pernicious anaemia, and alopecia areata universalis, is to remind the clinician of the increased risk of pernicious anaemia and gastric carcinoids in DMT1 patients. Screening for AGPA followed by serum gastrin and vitamin B 12 levels constitute the most evidence-based diagnostic approach.