An unusual presentation of scurvy following head injury.
We report an unusual clinical presentation of scurvy in a one and half year old child. The child presented with abrupt onset of peri-orbital ecchymoses and scalp hemorrhage following head injury. The child also had a history of temper tantrums and head banging. Our case did not have any of the typical clinical features of scurvy. The diagnosis was eventually confirmed radiologically and by observing a dramatic response to vitamin C therapy. It is important to remember that scurvy can present atypically i.e. without bleeding gums, painful limbs, pseudo-paralysis or scorbutic rosary. Scurvy should be kept as a differential diagnosis in a young child presenting with bleeding manifestations. Taking a detailed dietary history is of utmost importance in pediatric practice.
Ahuja
S R
SR
Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, LTM Medical College, LTMG Hospital, Sion, Mumbai 400 022.
Karande
S
S
D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012614:Scurvy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*