Scurvy: An elusive diagnosis.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Nutrition
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Scurvy is a collagen synthesis disorder caused by vitamin C deficiency.
• It is rare in developed nations and can mimic other conditions.
• Risk factors include malnutrition and inadequate dietary intake.

Observation:

• A patient with multiple malnutrition risk factors presented with scurvy symptoms.
• Clinical presentation included easy bruising, gingival hemorrhages, fatigue, and arthralgias.
• Defective collagen synthesis was evident.

Findings:

• Diagnosis of scurvy was confirmed in the patient.
• Vitamin C deficiency was identified as the underlying cause.
• The patient had multiple contributing risk factors for malnutrition.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering scurvy in patients with risk factors.
• Emphasizes the need for thorough social and dietary history.
• Underscores that vitamin C deficiency is treatable with prompt identification.