A Case of Scurvy in a Child: An Uncommon but Important Diagnosis to Consider

Scurvy is a rare disease resulting from a prolonged ascorbic acid deficiency. It commonly affects individuals with low incomes and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The diagnosis of scurvy can be challenging for clinicians due to the non-specific symptoms, resulting in extensive investigations and a delayed diagnosis. We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who presented with symptoms of pallor, bone pain, inability to walk, petechiae, ecchymosis of the lower limbs, irritability, and swollen, bleeding gums. Initially, the symptoms raised suspicions of hematopoietic malignancies, such as leukemia, and the patient underwent a series of invasive diagnostic exams before arriving at the correct diagnosis. Following a detailed dietary anamnesis with the parents, it became evident that the patient had a limited intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. A vitamin C blood test confirmed the diagnosis of scurvy. The prompt resolution of the clinical symptoms after the administration of vitamin C provided further confirmation of the diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of considering a patient's medical history and symptoms rigorously to avoid unnecessary, expensive, and invasive medical procedures, as well as to prevent potential misdiagnosis.