Description

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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