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Scurvy: bilateral lower extremity ecchymoses and paraparesis
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|August 1, 1982
Summary
This case highlights scurvy, a nutritional deficiency, presenting as leg weakness and bruising. Prompt diagnosis and vitamin C treatment rapidly resolved the patient's severe symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition
- Internal Medicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, can manifest with neurological and dermatological symptoms.
- Poor dietary intake and alcohol abuse are risk factors for developing scurvy.
- Symptoms of scurvy can be mistaken for other neurological conditions, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of scurvy in an adult male with progressive paraparesis and ecchymoses.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing early signs of nutritional deficiencies.
- To differentiate scurvy from more common neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 46-year-old man with relevant medical history.
- Clinical examination revealing ecchymoses, perifollicular hemorrhages, and poorly fitting dentures.
- Laboratory assessment of serum ascorbic acid concentration.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with progressive paraparesis and extensive bruising.
- Low serum ascorbic acid concentration confirmed vitamin C deficiency.
- Oral ascorbic acid administration led to rapid resolution of all clinical symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Scurvy can present with severe neurological and dermatological manifestations.
- Early recognition of nutritional deficiencies is crucial for timely and effective treatment.
- This case underscores the need to consider scurvy in patients with unexplained weakness and bruising, especially with risk factors like poor diet and alcohol use.