Addisonian pernicious anaemia

Addisonian pernicious anaemia

A form of ANAEMIA caused by the failure of the stomach to secrete a necessary factor called the intrinsic factor. As a result the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 and it is the absence of this vitamin that causes the anaemia. Red cells are larger than normal, irregular in shape and size and reduced in number. Untreated pernicious anaemia leads to neurological damage, which can be severe, including SUBACUTE combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Treatment is with hydroxycobalamin injections. (Thomas Addison, English physician, 1793–1860).

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005