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Scurvy mimicking systemic vasculitis
G Vairo1, A Salustri, P Trambaiolo
1Emergency Department, Hospital Sandro Pertini, Rome, Italy. g_vairo@hotmail.com
Scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, can mimic systemic vasculitis. Prompt diagnosis and ascorbic acid supplementation led to rapid symptom improvement in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Systemic vasculitis presents with diverse symptoms, including skin manifestations and lethargy.
- Elderly patients with malnutrition are susceptible to various deficiencies.
- Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) can manifest with skin and systemic symptoms.
Observation:
- A 91-year-old woman presented with lethargy, dyspnea, and leg subcutaneous hemorrhages.
- Clinical presentation suggested systemic vasculitis.
- Dermatologic findings and malnutrition raised suspicion for vitamin C deficiency.
Findings:
- Laboratory tests confirmed vitamin C deficiency.
- Treatment with ascorbic acid resulted in dramatic clinical improvement.
- Scurvy was identified as the underlying cause, mimicking vasculitis.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering nutritional deficiencies in the elderly presenting with vasculitis-like symptoms.
- Underscores that scurvy can present atypically, mimicking systemic inflammatory conditions.
- Emphasizes the critical role of nutritional assessment and supplementation in geriatric care.
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