Subarachnoid haemorrhage linked to B12-related thrombocytopenia in an older patient

Older people often develop vitamin B12 deficiency, which is a haematological disorder but its symptoms can often be misinterpreted as normal ageing. It typically presents as megaloblastic anaemia, which causes fatigue, shortness of breath, numbness and tingling. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to severe thrombocytopenia and central nervous system complications in rare cases.

This article presents a case study of an 87-year-old man with tachycardia and hypotension and vitamin B12 deficiency-related thrombocytopenia and subarachnoid haemorrhage.

The patient was treated with parenteral B12 and supportive care but died as a result of cardiopulmonary arrest on the 10th day.

This case highlights the importance of early recognition of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults. Urgent and timely treatment can help to prevent fatal haematologic and neurologic complications. Community nurses can play an important role in identifying the signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and, consequently, initiate a course of treatment to tackle this issue in a timely manner.