First place winner. Recurrent febrile seizures: an unusual presentation of nutritional rickets

Nutritional rickets is a serious disease that is infrequently encountered in the United States today because of the fortification of infant formulas and dairy products with vitamin D. We report a case of undiagnosed nutritional rickets presenting with recurrent febrile seizures. Febrile seizures, a common and usually benign presenting complaint, are not among the symptoms generally known to be associated with rickets. Therefore, the disease was uncovered only after a careful history and physical examination prompted a more thorough investigation into an underlying cause for recurrent seizures. The diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by quantitative laboratory testing. We review the historical and cultural factors, symptoms, and physical findings suggestive of this potentially serious yet easily treatable disease.