A case report: subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord and pernicious anemia caused by autoimmune gastritis

Abstract

Introduction: Autoimmune gastritis causing both subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord and pernicious anemia is rare in clinical practice. Here, we report a case of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord and pernicious anemia resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency due to autoimmune gastritis. Patient concerns: A 66-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of numbness in her extremities. Diagnoses: The diagnoses were (1) autoimmune gastritis (2) subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (3) pernicious anemia (4) hypergastrinemia (5) chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Interventions: The patient received intramuscular methylcobalamin treatment for 5 days, followed by oral methylcobalamin daily. Outcomes: Symptoms improved, and anemia recovered in the second month after discharge. She discontinued her medication afterward, and the neurological symptoms recurred. Conclusions: Autoimmune gastritis can lead to several diseases if not intervened in the early course. Neuropathy and hematopathy recur with treatment discontinuity. Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are unlikely to be more effective than vitamin B12.