Abstract
To explore the clinical features, supplementary examination, gastroscope results, treatment, and prognosis of patients with subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spinal cord who are positive
for antibodies against intrinsic factor and/or parietal cells. Method: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, routine blood test, vitamin B12 (VitB12) level, neurophysiological features, brain and spine MRI features, endoscopy results, treatment, and prognosis of 13 SCD patients with positive antibodies against intrinsic factor and/
or parietal cells. Results: Among the 13 patients, 7 presented subacute and 6 displayed chronic disease onset.
Six patients were tested for antibodies only against intrinsic factor, and all were positive. Seven patients were tested for antibodies against both intrinsic factor and parietal cells; 4 were positive for antiparietal cell antibodies,
and 3 were positive for both antibodies. Five patients had other concurrent causes of VitB12 deficiency. Ten patients presented with clinical symptoms and signs of impairment of the posterior and lateral columns and peripheral nerves. Five patients had megaloblastic anemia, and 1 had normocytic anemia. The VitB12 levels were low in
7 patients, 1 of whom showed a low VitB12 level 10 months ago. Nerve conduction velocities were examined in
12 patients, and 9 patients had peripheral nerve injury. MRI examination of the spinal cord was performed in 12
patients, and 4 patients showed abnormal signs. Five patients underwent gastroscopy, and chronic atrophic gastritis was found in 2 patients and chronic superficial gastritis in 3. All patients were treated with intramuscular injections of cobalamin adenosine or mecobalamin, and symptoms were improved in 12 patients after 2 to 3 weeks of
inpatient treatment. Conclusion:Patients of SCD with positive antibodies against intrinsic factor and/or parietal
cells may experience other accompanying causes of VitB12 deficiency. Patients mainly present with clinical symptoms and signs of impairment involving the posterior and lateral columns and peripheral nerves. MRI examination of the spinal cord can show abnormal signs, though with a low positive rate. Gastroscopy should be performed in the SCD patients with positive antibodies against intrinsic factor and/or parietal cells. Early intramuscular injection of VitB12 is helpful for improving prognosis.
Key words
subacute combined degeneration
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Clinical Analysis of 13 Patients of Subacute Combined Degeneration Positive for Intrinsic Fac?
tor and/or Antiparietal Cell Antibodies[J]. Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction. 2021, 16(8): 455-458
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