Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
07:26
Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Arthritis and gum bleeding in two children
Agata Vitale1, Francesco La Torre, Giorgia Martini
1Department of Paediatrics, Rheumatology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. vitale@interfree.it
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|March 26, 2009
Summary
Scurvy, a rare nutritional vitamin C deficiency, can mimic rheumatologic diseases in children. Prompt diagnosis and vitamin C treatment resolved symptoms, highlighting the need for awareness in developed countries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Scurvy is rare in developed countries, typically seen in children with highly restricted diets.
- Clinical symptoms can include joint pain, swelling, and bruising, often misdiagnosed as rheumatologic conditions.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases presented with "rheumatologic" symptoms but lacked classic scurvy radiographic signs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging revealed subperiosteal and bony hemorrhages, aiding diagnosis.
Findings:
- Nutritional vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) was confirmed in both patients.
- Symptoms resolved rapidly following vitamin C supplementation.
Implications:
- Pediatricians should consider scurvy in children with unexplained "rheumatologic" manifestations, even in industrialized nations.
- MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosing scurvy in ambiguous cases.
- Underestimated inadequate vitamin intake warrants clinical vigilance.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
01:15Teeth
The formation of teeth, also known as odontogenesis, is a complex process that begins in utero, around the sixth week of embryonic development. There are three stages to this process: the bud stage, the cap stage, and the bell stage.
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...