J. A. Avila Rueda1, A. Hurtado-Ortiz2, M. Licht-Ardila2, G. Camelo-Pardo3, A. Mendoza-Monsalve2, E. F. Manrique-Hernández2
1 Oncology institute, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Santander, Colombia
2 Department of Epidemiology, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Santander, Colombia
3 Servicio de Urgencias, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Santander, Colombia
Summary
A 62-year-old female patient with no relevant medical history presented with elevated vitamin B12 levels, which were incidentally detected during a routine examination. Comprehensive evaluations excluded oncohematological disorders, liver diseases, pulmonary conditions, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular causes, as well as paradoxical increases in vitamin B12 levels. It was hypothesized that the elevated vitamin B12 levels were related to a chronic inflammatory process, potentially exacerbated by the presence of biopolymers. Given the improvement in symptoms and the risks associated with implant removal, it was decided to proceed with semi-annual clinical monitoring, with surgical intervention considered only if clinical abnormalities or significant changes in imaging were observed.
Key words
silicon – prostheses and implants – vitamin B12 – polymethylsiloxane
Avila Rueda JA, Hurtado-Ortiz A, Licht-Ardila M et al. Elevation of vitamin B12 levels attributed to biopolymer implants – a case report. Acta Chir Plast 2025; 67 (1): 64–67.