Magnetic resonance imaging appearance of scurvy with gelatinous bone marrow transformation

Skeletal Radiol. 2012 Mar;41(3):357-60. doi: 10.1007/s00256-011-1350-9. Epub 2012 Jan 6.

Abstract

Scurvy is a lethal but treatable disease that is rare in industrialized countries. Caused by vitamin C deficiency, it is most prevalent in persons of low socioeconomic status and smokers. Low levels of circulating vitamin C result in poor collagen fiber formation that, in turn, leads to demineralized bones, microfractures, and poor healing. Here we report a case of scurvy in a 5-year-old boy with normal radiographs in whom initial concern for leukemia based upon magnetic resonance imaging and clinical presentation led to a bone marrow biopsy revealing gelatinous transformation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Marrow Diseases / etiology*
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / pathology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Scurvy / complications*
  • Scurvy / pathology*