American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to which oral manifestation?

1. Beefy tongue

2. Glossitis

3. Angular cheilitis

4. Oral thrush

The correct answer is: Beefy tongue

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to several oral manifestations, with glossitis being one of the most common. Glossitis, characterized by inflammation of the tongue, often results in a smooth, beefy red appearance due to the loss of papillae. This condition is typically associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12, as this vitamin is crucial for maintaining the health of red blood cells and nerve function. The presence of glossitis can indicate broader systemic issues related to B12 deficiency, including anemia and neurological symptoms, reflecting the vitamin's important role in overall health. While deficiencies may also lead to other oral problems such as angular cheilitis and oral thrush, these manifestations are not exclusively tied to vitamin B12 deficiency. Angular cheilitis typically results from a fungal or bacterial infection, often due to other vitamin deficiencies or irritations. Oral thrush is a yeast infection that can occur for a variety of reasons, including antibiotic use or immunosuppression, rather than being directly linked to vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, glossitis stands out as the most characteristic oral manifestation resulting from a deficiency in vitamin B12.