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Clinicopathologic Correlation in a Case of Scurvy
Nathanael C Jensen1, Katherine Gillis2, Jamie Zussman1
1Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|December 22, 2025
Summary
Scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, can present with skin and gum bleeding, especially in those with restrictive diets. Prompt vitamin C supplementation rapidly resolves symptoms, highlighting the importance of dietary history in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Nutrition Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Scurvy is rare in developed nations but relevant for patients with restricted diets.
- Mucocutaneous bleeding can mimic other serious conditions like vasculitis or coagulopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of scurvy in a patient with sclerosing mesenteritis and chronic dietary restriction.
- To highlight the diagnostic importance of dietary history and skin examination in mucocutaneous bleeding.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a male patient presenting with purpura and gingival bleeding.
- Diagnostic workup included histopathology and vitamin C level measurement.
- Treatment involved oral vitamin C supplementation.
Main Results:
- Histopathology confirmed classic features of scurvy.
- Vitamin C levels were undetectable.
- The patient showed rapid clinical improvement after vitamin C supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Scurvy should be considered in patients with restrictive diets presenting with mucocutaneous bleeding.
- Thorough dietary history and skin examination are crucial for diagnosing scurvy.
- Vitamin C deficiency can be effectively treated with oral supplementation.
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