Scurvy Presenting With Cutaneous and Articular Signs and Decrease in Red and White Blood Cells

A 23-year-old man presented with symptoms of scurvy, including perifollicular hemorrhages, arthralgias, myalgias, fatigue, and difficulty walking, due to a diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables for 10 months. His condition was characterized by purpuric lesions, corkscrew hairs, swollen gums, and a swollen knee. Laboratory tests revealed low serum ascorbic acid, anemia with microcytic, hypochromic indices, and a low white blood cell count. A skin biopsy showed red cell extravasation and hemosiderin deposits, while gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed mucosal hemorrhagic lesions. The findings highlighted the importance of vitamin C in preventing scurvy and its associated symptoms.