Scurvy: A New Old Cause of Skeletal Pain in Young Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Radiology

Background:

• Scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency disease, is historically significant but rarely diagnosed in contemporary pediatrics.
• This report details three pediatric cases of scurvy presenting with non-specific symptoms.

Observation:

• Three children aged approximately three years were admitted with severe skeletal pain and malaise.
• Initial presentations mimicked infectious or malignant conditions, leading to extensive diagnostic workups.
• Dietary selectivity was not the primary factor identified in these cases.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of scurvy was significantly delayed in all three cases.
• Bone imaging, including X-ray and MRI, revealed typical scurvy lesions retrospectively.
• Pediatricians and radiologists lacked familiarity with scurvy, hindering prompt diagnosis.

Implications:

• Increased awareness of scurvy is crucial for pediatricians and radiologists to avoid diagnostic delays.
• Recognizing scurvy's atypical presentations can prevent unnecessary investigations and treatments.
• This highlights the importance of considering historical diagnoses in modern clinical practice.