Atypical Presentation of Scurvy in the Oral Cavity

Vitamin C is crucial for normal physiology and function. Severely insufficient levels of vitamin C can disrupt these processes, resulting in scurvy, a condition characterized by compromised collagen production and tissue degradation. The purpose of this report is to present a complex case of a pediatric patient with autism spectrum disorder exhibiting nonspecific oral lesions. Histopathological examination of the lesions revealed granulomatous inflammation, suggesting an initial diagnosis of orofacial granulomatosis, with a recommendation to rule out Crohn's disease. Further investigation confirmed the presence of vitamin C deficiency, with the oral lesions responding positively to vitamin C supplementation, indicating that the oral lesions were a manifestation of scurvy. In the United States, scurvy is rare and usually associated with underlying conditions and restrictive diets; if left untreated, severe complications affecting patients' life expectancy may occur. Understanding the clinical manifestations of vitamin C deficiency is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective management.