Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-in-Chief Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Robert Shafton
Overview
Imerslund-Grasbeck syndrome or Imerslund-Najman-Grasbeck syndrome or Imerslund-Grasbeck disease (IGS or INGS) is an autosomal recessive, familial form of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by malfunction of the receptor located in the terminal ileum.
Signs and symptoms
Defined as those seen in any macrocytic, megaloblastic anemia:
- Anemia
- Glossitis
- Cheilosis
- Tabes dorsalis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pancytopenia
- Methylmalonyl CoA-emia
- Hypersegmented neutrophils and large RBCs
- Increased MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), decreased Hgb/Hct (indicating anemia), and decreased value of vitamin B12
- Proteinuria
- Reversal of all symptoms except neurological symptoms, by IV injection of vitamin B12.
Genetics
Autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The suspected chromosome is 14.
Treatment
Injection of IV vitamin B12. Early administration is helpful in reversal of few symptoms.
References