Reversible Hyperpigmentation: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Vitamin B12 deficiency presents as megaloblastic anemia with neurological, skin and other clinical manifestations. We present here an interesting case of anemia presenting with generalized weakness and nonspecific symptoms in a female who is a vegetarian. There was acral hyperpigmentation without any other clinical features, Investigations revealed megaloblastic anemia with low vitamin B12 and normal RBC folate levels. The patient improved after blood transfusion and intramuscular vitamin B12 injections and the skin lesions faded away suggesting vitamin B12 deficiency to be the cause of hyperpigmentation, which is an uncommon manifestation. The importance lies in the fact that this cause of reversible hyperpigmentation should be thought of by clinicians to start prompt treatment.