J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  1999 Apr;23(2):430-433.

Two Cases Report of Subacute Combined Degeneration in Association with Folate Deficiency

• Ko YJ
• Kim HW
• Lee JS
• Choi SJ
• Shin JN

Abstract

Subacute combined degeneration is the clinical syndrome associated with vitamin B12 deficiency and characterized by usually symmetrical weakness and progressively worsening of, and abnormal sensations of the legs, arms, trunk, or other area, mental abnormalities, and vision difficulties. Subacute combined degeneration primarily affects the spinal cord, but it also includes damage to the brain, the nerves of the eye, and the peripheral (body) nerves. In this study, we report two patients with subacute combined degeneration of the cord in association with folate deficiency. Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord and optic atrophy occurred only in the patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. However, diet-induced folic acid deficiency and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord which improved significantly after treatment with folic acid has been recorded.

Keyword

Subacute combined degeneration; Folate deficiency

MeSH Terms

Arm
Brain
Folic Acid Deficiency
Folic Acid*
Humans
Leg
Optic Atrophy
Sensation
Spinal Cord
Subacute Combined Degeneration*
Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
Folic Acid