Brain atrophy caused by vitamin B12-deficient anemia in an infant.

ABSTRACT

Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants often presents with nonspecific hematological, gastrointestinal, and neurological manifestations. It is usually caused by inadequate intake, abnormal absorption, or congenital disorders of vitamin B12 metabolism, including transport disorders. We describe a vitamin B12-deficient infant with severe anemia who was breastfed. His mother had undiagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency having undergone total gastrectomy 18 years earlier. The infant developed normally after taking vitamin B12. It is important to suspect vitamin B12 deficiency in mothers who have undergone gastrectomy. Early diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants is important and will help improve long-term prognosis.