Scurvy: historical review and current diagnostic approach.

Abstract

Scurvy, a deficiency of vitamin C, now most often occurs in disadvantaged groups seen frequently in EDs: alcoholics with poor nutrition, the isolated elderly, and the institutionalized. Its prominent clinical features are lethargy; purpuric lesions, especially affecting the legs; myalgia; and, in advancing disease, bleeding from the gums with little provocation. Common misdiagnoses are vasculitis, blood dyscrasias, and ulcerative gingivitis. Untreated, scurvy is inevitably fatal as a result of infection or sudden death. Fortunately, individuals with scurvy, even those with advanced disease, respond favorably to administration of vitamin C.

• Authors: Laura Pimentel
• Journal: The American journal of emergency medicine (Am J Emerg Med) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 328-32 (Jul 2003) ISSN: 0735-6757 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12898492 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Historical Article, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• History, 17th Century
• History, 19th Century
• History, 20th Century
• History, Ancient
• Humans
• Scurvy (diagnosis, history)