Curious case of severe scurvy.

Area of Science:

• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Dermatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, is rare in developed nations but crucial to consider in malnutrition.
• Classic symptoms include perifollicular petechiae, corkscrew hairs, gingivitis, and bruising.
• Syncope is an underreported but possible presenting symptom.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a severe case of scurvy secondary to malnutrition and possible Crohn's disease.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing both classic and less common signs of scurvy.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and prompt treatment initiation.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with severe scurvy.
• Review of clinical presentation, including dermatologic findings and syncope.
• Consideration of underlying causes such as malnutrition and Crohn's disease.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe scurvy, demonstrating characteristic skin and gum manifestations.
• Syncope was noted as a less common but significant symptom.
• The case underscores the link between malnutrition, potential malabsorption (Crohn's disease), and scurvy development.

Conclusions:

• Scurvy diagnosis requires consideration of classic dermatologic signs and less common symptoms like syncope.
• Prompt recognition and treatment are vital, especially in patients with malnutrition or malabsorption.
• This case emphasizes the need for a broad differential diagnosis in complex nutritional deficiencies.