Neurológia pre prax 1/2014

Neurological complication of undetected vitamin B12 deficiency in Crohn΄s diseases

Patient´s with Crohn´s disease (CD) who have terminal ileal resections are at risk for vitamin B12 malabsorbtion. Neurological symptoms include peripheral polyneuropathy, but the progression of the patological process may cause development of serious degenerative brain and spinal cord changes. Typical neurological manifestation is the subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. We present a case of a patient with CD and heavy vitamin B12 deficiency neurological manifestation. We want to call attention to the importance of prevention and screening of individuals with the B12 deficiency predisposition.

Keywords: Crohn´s disease, vitamin B12, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.