Scurvy in an 18-month-old child mimicking a clinical presentation of rickets.

Abstract

Scurvy is now considered to be a rare disease in European countries, even among children, but it still exists. We report the case of an 18-month-old boy who was initially hospitalized for a walking disorder and ultimately diagnosed with scurvy. Radiographs were compatible with rickets, but biological analysis ruled out this diagnosis. The vitamin C deficiency was due to an inadequate diet of a young child without any underlying conditions. This child was exclusively breastfed until the age of 17 months and his mother was also likely vitamin C deficient, as she had a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables. Practitioners should become familiar with symptoms of scurvy to prevent the ordering of unnecessary tests and delays in diagnoses.