What is a common clinical manifestation of pernicious anemia?

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder that affects the absorption of vitamin B12 due to a deficiency of intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestine. One of the hallmark clinical manifestations of pernicious anemia is glossitis, which is characterized by inflammation and atrophy of the tongue, leading to a smooth, red appearance. This occurs due to the deficiency of B12, which is important for the maintenance of healthy tissues.

Glossitis often presents alongside other oral manifestations such as angular cheilitis and can even lead to changes in the texture of other oral mucosa due to the lack of adequate B12. Recognizing glossitis as a clinical symptom is crucial in the context of systemic diseases like pernicious anemia, as it can serve as an early indicator for physicians and eye care professionals alike.

Other symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, and numbness in the hands and feet also relate to pernicious anemia but are not as specific as glossitis, which directly ties to the deficiency of vitamin B12 and its impact on oral health. Fatigue and pale skin are more general symptoms of anemia in any form, while numbness can suggest neurological involvement but does not directly illustrate the classic presentation of the condition.