Pernicious anemia is a specific form of megaloblastic anemia related to the deficiency of the vitamin B12.

What is the Pathology of Pernicious Anemia?

The pathology of pernicious anemia is:

-Etiology: The cause of pernicious anemia is insufficient dietary intake, intestinal bacterial overgrowth, ileal mucosa disorders, disarrays of cobalamin plasma transport, intrinsic factor deficiency, tapeworm infestation, pregnancy, and hyperthyroidism

-Genes involved: None.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to pernicious anemia allegedly results from immunologically mediated. Failure of intrinsic factor production that leads to vitamin B12 deficiency triggers a specific type of megaloblastic anemia.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with pernicious anemia shows atrophic glossitis tongue. 

-Histology: The histology associated with pernicious anemia shows atrophy of the fundic glands, megaloblastic cells.

How does Pernicious Anemia Present? 

Patients with pernicious anemia typically have female predominance present at an age range of 50 to 80 years. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with pernicious anemia include neurologic symptoms, irritability, memory loss, personality changes, retention, impaired micturition gastrointestinal symptoms, smooth tongue, palpable splenic tip, and retinal hemorrhages.

How is Pernicious Anemia Diagnosed? 

Pernicious anemia is diagnosed clinical presentation, laboratory studies such as peripheral blood usually indicates macrocytic anemia, elevated indirect bilirubin level, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase concentration. Serum folic acid, and cobalamin levels. Intrinsic factor antibodies type 1 and 2. Schilling test.

How is Pernicious Anemia Treated? 

Pernicious anemia is treated through medical care such as vitamin B12 therapy, blood transfusion, activity restriction and dietary measures.

What is the Prognosis of Pernicious Anemia?

The prognosis of pernicious anemia is fair.