title: Intrinsic factor deficiency in adults with normal hydrochloric acid production.
abstract: Two cases of intrinsic factor deficiency with normal hydrochloric acid production are presented. Both patients had markedly reduced intrinsic factor secretion and substantial titers of type I (blocking) intrinsic factor antibodies. No parietal cell antibodies were recognized by immunofluorescence in either case. Three hypotheses are offered to explain these findings: (a) These patients have congenital intrinsic factor deficiency that remained in the preanemic phase until adulthood; (b) they have pernicious anemia detected at a stage before gastric mucosal atrophy and achlorhydria have occurred; or (c) they represent cases of a new syndrome characterized by isolated intrinsic factor deficiency.
mesh_terms: D000748:Anemia, Macrocytic / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007437:Intrinsic Factor / Q000172:deficiency*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D007437:Intrinsic Factor