Differential Diagnosis for Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: This is the most direct cause of the symptoms described, as a lack of vitamin B12 leads to ineffective erythropoiesis and results in anemia.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Iron deficiency anemia: Similar to vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency can cause anemia, although the underlying mechanisms and symptoms may differ slightly.
- Folate deficiency anemia: Folate and vitamin B12 are closely related in their roles in DNA synthesis, and a deficiency in either can lead to similar types of anemia.
- Anemia of chronic disease: This condition can present with similar symptoms to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, especially in patients with underlying chronic conditions.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pernicious anemia: An autoimmune condition leading to vitamin B12 deficiency, which, if left untreated, can lead to severe neurological complications.
- Gastric cancer: A condition that can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency due to the malabsorption of the vitamin, highlighting the importance of investigating the underlying cause of the deficiency.
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause malabsorption of nutrients, including vitamin B12, and if missed, can lead to severe complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Transcobalamin II deficiency: A rare genetic disorder affecting the transport of vitamin B12, leading to deficiency.
- Methylmalonic acidemia: A rare genetic disorder that can mimic vitamin B12 deficiency due to its impact on the metabolic pathway involving vitamin B12.
- Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) infection: A rare parasitic infection that can cause vitamin B12 deficiency by competing with the host for the vitamin.