The Return of a Forgotten Disease: Paediatric Scurvy in the Modern Era – A Case-Based Review.

Abstract

Scurvy, a disease resulting from severe vitamin C deficiency, is considered a disease of the past. We encountered a case of paediatric scurvy in a previously healthy child from an affluent family, presented with gradually worsening bilateral knee and hip pain over 6 months, with inability to walk for the past 2 months without a history of trauma or falls. The clinical presentation of joint pain and muscle wasting mimicked several other conditions, particularly neurological and rheumatological disorders, leading to extensive blood investigations and imaging to determine the cause. High clinical suspicion of scurvy arose when all investigations and imaging were normal except mild hypochromic microcytic anaemia and poor diet history. This case report highlights the clinical presentation and challenges for early diagnosis and treatment in a low-risk population. It underscores the importance of a thorough dietary history and consideration of nutritional deficiencies among children with unexplained musculoskeletal symptoms.