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Vitamin B12 Deficiency With Bilateral Globus Pallidus Abnormalities

Anjail Z. Sharrief, MD; Joel Raffel, MD; David S. Zee, MD
Arch Neurol. 2012;69(6):769-772. doi:10.1001/archneurol.2011.1084.
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Objective  To describe a case of vitamin B12 deficiency with classic and rare clinical features and novel radiographic features.

Design  Case report.

Setting  Johns Hopkins Hospital neurology service.

Patient  Middle-aged man with neuropathy, myelopathy, impaired cognition, and extrapyramidal signs.

Results  The patient had neurologic and hematologic signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, with elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed signal abnormality in the globi pallidi, as can be seen in inherited methylmalonic acidemia. The clinical and radiographic findings reversed with vitamin B12 administration.

Conclusion  Vitamin B12 deficiency can present with extrapyramidal symptoms and reversible bilateral globus pallidus abnormalities.

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Figures

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Grahic Jump Location

Figure 1. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A, Hypoattenuation in the globi pallidi (GP) (arrow). B and C, Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image with increased signal in the GP (B) and midbrain (C) (arrows). D, T1 image with decreased GP signal. E and F, Magnetic resonance imaging diffusion (E) and apparent diffusion coefficient (F) with increased GP signal.

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Grahic Jump Location

Figure 2. Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging. A, Sagittal short T1 inversion recovery image demonstrating increased signal primarily in the posterior aspect of the cord. B, Axial image.

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Grahic Jump Location

Figure 3. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. Axial fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image with near complete resolution of signal abnormality in the globi pallidi and midbrain after 1 year of treatment. There is slight residual increased signal in the globi pallidi, consistent with gliosis.

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