Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) may present with symptoms that may mimic a rheumatic disorder.
Clinical features may include:
(1) purpuric skin rash
(2) myalgia
(3) malaise
(4) synovitis with effusion
(5) hemarthrosis
Laboratory testing may show:
(1) elevated ESR
(2) elevated serum CRP
Scurvy may be mistaken for:
(1) vasculitis
(2) juvenile arthritis
(3) chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis
Diagnosis can often by made by a careful nutritional history and a dramatic response to vitamin C therapy.
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Specialty: Immunology/Rheumatology, Nutrition
