Which of the following is not true regarding pernicious anemia?
Pernicious anemia Autoimmune disorder affecting the gastric mucosa. Histologically, there is a chronic atrophic gastritis marked by a loss of parietal cells, a prominent infiltrate of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Can be associated with other autoimmune disorders, paicularly autoimmune thyroiditis and adrenalitis. Atrophic glossitis may be present; CNS manifestations in 3/4th of florid cases - spastic paraparesis, sensory ataxia, paraesthesias (demyelination of the dorsal and lateral spinal tracts). The diagnosis is based on: a moderate to severe megaloblastic anemia, leukopenia with hypersegmented granulocytes, low serum vitamin B12, and elevated serum levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid Persons with atrophy and metaplasia of the gastric mucosa due to pernicious anemia are at increased risk for gastric carcinoma.
Chronic atrophic gastritis
Increased red cell MCV
Increased risk of gastric carcinoma is unlikely
Elevated serum levels of methyl malonic acid
Megaloblastic Anemia