What should I know before ordering a bone marrow aspiration/biopsy in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency?. (8th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Randhawa, Jaskirat; Ondrejka, Sarah L; Setrakian, Sebouh; Taylor, Harris
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2013
• Publication Date: 2013-07-08
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-010200
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Vitamin B12 deficiency is a well recognised cause of macrocytic anaemia and bone marrow failure. Bone marrow aspiration/biopsy is infrequently indicated for the diagnosis in this setting. However, if a bone marrow aspiration/biopsy is performed, it is important to recognise that it may show dysplastic changes mimicking myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute leukaemia. We report a case of a 66-year-old non-vegetarian man presenting with generalised weakness for 1 month and misdiagnosed on bone marrow biopsy as MDS. However, laboratory investigations revealed severe deficiency of vitamin B12 . Four weeks after starting vitamin B12 replacement the patient's complete blood counts reverted to normal.