Scurvy: Old, but still relevant

Elfeki, Mohamed A.; Schwiesow, Tyler; Jawa, Zeeshan

doi:10.3949/ccjm.87a.19123

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…The most common manifestations of scurvy are petechiae (present in our patient as seen in Figure 1 ), ecchymoses, hyperkeratosis (present in our patient), perifollicular hemorrhage, gingival hemorrhage, and classically, corkscrew hairs. 5 The petechiae confluence into large ecchymoses or palpable purpura due to blood vessel fragility, as seen in our patient ( Figure 2 ). 2 Other symptoms include joint pain, myalgias, and dry skin.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%

“…3 The diagnosis is primarily clinical but is confirmed with serum vitamin C levels less than 11 µmol/L. 5 Treatment is increased vitamin C intake with a suggested dose of 100 mg 3 times daily; in our patient, we elected to treat with 500 mg daily. 2 There is typically rapid resolution of the fatigue and pain (within hours); the skin findings tend to improve over 2 to 4 weeks with complete recovery after 3 months of treatment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

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Scurvy in the Intensive Care Unit

Baluch

Landsberg

2021

Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports

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Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, is a forgotten disease in the modern era of medicine. The prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in the United States is reported to be 7.1%. We present a case of a 56-year-old man with a history of chronic alcohol use who was admitted to the intensive care unit due to sepsis. He was found to have a rash on his hands and feet which consisted of palpable lesions as well as petechiae. Work up of the patient’s skin pathology revealed ascorbic acid deficiency, also known as scurvy. This case highlights the importance of considering severe nutritional deficiency in patients with underlying alcohol use who present with skin findings that may mimic those of a vasculitis. Although rare, vitamin C deficiency still exists, and it is important to be aware of presenting signs and identify those who are at risk.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 60%