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Acute hypervitaminosis A in a young lady

M R Khasru1, R Yasmin, A K Salek

  • 1Department of Medicine (Unit-1), Shaheed Suhrawardi Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. drkhasru35mmc@yahoo.com

Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|April 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Acute vitamin A toxicity can cause pseudotumor cerebri, typically in children. This case highlights an 18-year-old female experiencing these symptoms after intentionally ingesting a high dose of vitamin A.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Vitamin A toxicity is a known cause of increased intracranial pressure.
  • Pseudotumor cerebri (idiopathic intracranial hypertension) is characterized by symptoms mimicking a brain tumor.

Observation:

  • An 18-year-old female presented with headache, vomiting, back pain, and diplopia after intentionally ingesting approximately 10 million IU of vitamin A.
  • Clinical examination revealed bilateral papilledema, symmetrical pupillary dilation, reduced visual acuity (6/60 OD, 6/18 OS), and bilateral sixth cranial nerve palsy.

Findings:

  • Despite the severe presentation, brain and orbital MRI were normal.
  • The patient's symptoms resolved following treatment with acetazolamide.

Implications:

  • This case underscores that vitamin A toxicity can induce pseudotumor cerebri in young adults.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management, including acetazolamide, are crucial for favorable outcomes in vitamin A-induced intracranial hypertension.

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