Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease that manifests approximately 3 months after consuming a diet lacking ascorbic acid.1 Most of the clinical manifestations of scurvy result from defective collagen metabolism, causing degeneration of vascular and perivascular connective tissues and changes in endothelial cells. Consequently, scurvy represents a vessel-mediated bleeding disorder characterized by hemorrhagic gingivitis, petechiae, and subperiosteal and perifollicular hemorrhages. It is crucial to recognize and treat scurvy, as catastrophic fatal hemorrhage, including myocardial and cerebral bleeding, occur in late disease stages.
Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Letter to the editor Source Type: research