Saeid Lara, Hussein Al-Janabi Moatasem, Hassan Fouz
Department of Hematology, Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria.
Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Center, Tishreen University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria.
Case Rep Dermatol Med. 2024 Oct 25;2024:2779253. doi: 10.1155/2024/2779253. eCollection 2024.
Scurvy, once prevalent among sailors, is now rare due to improved access to fresh fruits and vegetables yet persists in individuals with poor dietary habits. We report a case of a 35-year-old male presenting with month-long, nonpainful, nonitchy lower extremity lesions. A dermatological examination revealed follicular hyperkeratosis, perifollicular bleeding, corkscrew hairs, bleeding gums, and hemorrhagic purpura. Despite unavailable plasma vitamin C testing, scurvy was diagnosed based on clinical features and dietary history. Treatment with vitamin C resulted in significant improvement within 10 days. Inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables causes vitamin C deficiency, impairing collagen synthesis and leading to typical scurvy symptoms. This case underscores the importance of considering scurvy in patients with compatible symptoms, focusing on clinical diagnosis and treatment response when testing is unavailable. Management includes vitamin C supplementation and dietary changes, emphasizing healthcare providers' role in promoting sufficient fruit and vegetable consumptions to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
坏血病曾在水手中普遍存在，如今由于更容易获得新鲜水果和蔬菜而变得罕见，但在饮食习惯不良的个体中仍然存在。我们报告一例35岁男性病例，其下肢出现长达一个月的无痛、无痒性皮损。皮肤科检查发现毛囊角化过度、毛囊周围出血、螺旋状毛发、牙龈出血和出血性紫癜。尽管无法进行血浆维生素C检测，但根据临床特征和饮食史诊断为坏血病。维生素C治疗在10天内导致病情显著改善。水果和蔬菜摄入不足会导致维生素C缺乏，损害胶原蛋白合成并导致典型的坏血病症状。该病例强调了在有相符症状的患者中考虑坏血病的重要性，在无法进行检测时注重临床诊断和治疗反应。管理措施包括补充维生素C和改变饮食，强调医疗保健提供者在促进足够的水果和蔬菜消费以预防营养缺乏方面的作用。
