What causes atrophic glossitis?
Usually, a profound deficiency of B-complex vitamins, such as niacin, pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, folate,
and B12. Physical examination may help differentiating folate from B12 deficiency by testing of proprioceptive sensation. In folate deficiency, the patient has glossitis but normal proprioception; in B12 deficiency (and, therefore, in pernicious anemia), the glossitis is instead accompanied by abnormal proprioception. Other causes of glossitis include regional enteritis, iron-deficiency anemia, alcoholism, severe malnutrition (proteincalorie), and malabsorption. Glossitis often presents with cheilitis.
Usually, a profound deficiency of B-complex vitamins, such as niacin, pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, folate,
and B12. Physical examination may help differentiating folate from B12 deficiency by testing of proprioceptive sensation. In folate deficiency, the patient has glossitis but normal proprioception; in B12 deficiency (and, therefore, in pernicious anemia), the glossitis is instead accompanied by abnormal proprioception. Other causes of glossitis include regional enteritis, iron-deficiency anemia, alcoholism, severe malnutrition (proteincalorie), and malabsorption. Glossitis often presents with cheilitis.