Atypical Scurvy Associated with Anorexia Nervosa
August 2016
in “
Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
”
Studysummary This case report details a rare instance of scurvy linked to anorexia nervosa in a 48-year-old woman, characterized by atypical symptoms and successfully treated with vitamin C supplements.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document described a rare case of atypical scurvy in a 48-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa, characterized by a very low BMI of 11.9 kg/m² and symptoms like palmoplantar rash and perimalleolar oedema, but lacking the typical oral signs of scurvy. Her blood tests showed extremely low vitamin C levels. After being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and treated with 1 g/day of vitamin C for one month, her health improved significantly. This case was notable for its atypical dermatological manifestations rather than the classic oral symptoms. A literature review revealed only three similar cases since 1975, underscoring the rarity of scurvy in the context of anorexia nervosa. The document concluded that scurvy should still be considered even in the absence of classic symptoms and that vitamin C treatment should be promptly initiated when scurvy is suspected.
