A case of scurvy rarely encountered in Japan

Vasc Med. 1997;2(2):143-6. doi: 10.1177/1358863X9700200210.

Abstract

We report a case of scurvy, which is rarely encountered in Japan. A 75-year-old male was hospitalized with diffuse subcutaneous hemorrhaging of both feet, pain on walking, and shortness of breath. A remarkably low serum level of vitamin C was confirmed. Administration of ascorbic acid dramatically improved his clinical symptoms. Improvement paralleled the increase of serum vitamin C level. This case underscores the important role of vitamin C on the integrity function of the vessel wall.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Ascorbic Acid / blood
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Foot Diseases / etiology*
  • Foot Diseases / physiopathology
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Pain
  • Scurvy / complications
  • Scurvy / diagnosis*
  • Scurvy / drug therapy
  • Skin / blood supply
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Ascorbic Acid