Spontaneous orbital haematoma in a scurvy child: A forgotten diagnosis.

Abstract

Spontaneous unilateral orbital haematoma in children is not common and very rarely caused by scurvy. Scurvy is a clinical syndrome with a spectrum of clinical manifestations due to severe prolonged vitamin C deficiency leading to impairment of collagen synthesis over skin, bone, teeth and blood vessels. This paper presents a unique case of a 7- year-old girl with learning difficulty who presented with spontaneous right proptosis due to scurvy. Imaging studies suggestive of intra- orbital extraconal haemorrhage. The child was treated with a higher than recommended dose of vitamin C initially in emergency situation. She responded well and discharged without complication. Spontaneous orbital haematoma due to scurvy is very rare with less than 10 cases published in literature. The present case should raise the awareness regarding this forgotten disease and importance of balance nutrition amongst children.

• Authors: Siew Chung Cheah, Ing Ping Tang, Tong Jong Haw Matthew, Mong How Ooi, Salina Husain
• Journal: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology (Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol) Vol. 137 Pg. 110224 (Oct 2020) ISSN: 1872-8464 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 32896344 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Child
• Exophthalmos (diagnosis, etiology)
• Eye Hemorrhage (diagnosis, etiology)
• Female
• Hematoma (diagnosis, etiology)
• Humans
• Scurvy (complications, diagnosis)