Reversal of severe neurological abnormalities after vitamin B12 replacement in the Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome

Abstract

Vitamin B12 malabsorption in the ileum has been postulated as the underlying cause of the Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome comprising megaloblastic anemia, proteinuria, and multiple neurological abnormalities. A young Saudi child with spasticity, truncal ataxia, cerebral atrophy, megaloblastic anaemia and proteinuria is described. Replacement therapy with parenteral vitamin B12 resulted in the complete resolution of his neurological findings and brain atrophy.