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Case Reports
. 2010 Jul-Aug;30(4):325-8.
doi: 10.4103/0256-4947.65266.

Inability to walk due to scurvy: A forgotten disease

Hussein A Algahtani  1 , Abduljaleel P Abdu, Imad M Khojah, Ali M Al-Khathaami
Affiliations
Case Reports

Inability to walk due to scurvy: A forgotten disease

Hussein A Algahtani et al. Ann Saudi Med. 2010 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Scurvy has become rare in modern societies, but should be considered in malnourished persons, alcoholics, and in infants on unsupplemented milk diets who present with musculoskeletal pain or a bleeding tendency. The diagnosis of scurvy can be challenging because of the rare incidence and vague and nonspecific early symptoms. We report here a case of scurvy in a young boy who presented with an inability to walk and severe musculoskeletal pain. The diagnosis was established based on his clinical picture, radiological appearance, and low serum level of vitamin C. The patient responded well to vitamin C supplementation with full resolution of his symptoms. He regained his ability to walk and his family was happy and satisfied with the outcome of treatment. Although the incidence of scurvy has become low in Saudi Arabia, it can still occur and early recognition is important because of the excellent prognosis.

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Figures

Figure 1a
Figure 1a
The child in flexion posture.
Figure 1b
Figure 1b
Photo of the chest cage with pectus excavatum and scorbutic rosaries.
Figure 2
Figure 2
X-ray of the lower and upper limbs (arrow indicates scurvy line).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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