[Recurrent ischemic stroke revealing Biermer's disease].
BACKGROUND
Biermer's disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency. Ischemic stroke is an uncommon complication of Biermer's disease, possibly though hyperhomocysteinemia.


METHODS
A 58-year-old male presented with recurrent ischemic stroke. Extensive investigations were normal, except for a high plasma level of homocysteine in the context of pernicious anemia which was otherwise asymptomatic.


CONCLUSIONS
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a known marker, and probably a risk factor, for stroke, fostering atherosclerosis and thrombosis. It can be found among individuals suffering from homocysteinuria, but also when there is deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. Vitamin B12 supplementation would reduce homocysteine concentration which in turn would reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.
Bougteba
A
A
Service de neurologie, hôpital civil, Tétouan, Maroc. abougteba@hotmail.com
Basir
A
A
Kissani
N
N
D000752:Anemia, Pernicious / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006710:Homocysteine; D014805:Vitamin B 12