Case of megaloblastic anemia caused by intestinal... : Annals of Hematology (original) (raw)

• Peter Vuylsteke
• Celine Bertrand
• Gregor E. G. Verhoef
• Peter Vandenberghe

Annals of Hematology

83

(

7

)

:p

487

-

488

,

July 2004

.

| DOI: 10.1007/s00277-003-0839-2

Abstract

A 61-year-old eutrophic male was diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia. A modified Schilling test suggested intestinal malabsorption unrelated to intrinsic factor deficiency. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed the presence of a Taenia tapeworm. The anemia resolved within days under therapy with niclosamide and temporary vitamin B12 supplements. The present case suggests that, in addition to other well-known parasitic agents, e.g., Diphyllobothrium latum and Giardia lamblia, Taenia infestation can also be a cause of intestinal vitamin B12 malabsorption.

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