[Unusual retinal abnormality: retinal hemorrhages related to scurvy]

J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011 Mar;34(3):186.e1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2010.10.018.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A diet restricted to rice and boiled fruit and vegetables leads to vitamin C deficiency. We describe the third case, to our knowledge, of retinal hemorrhages related to scurvy. Reduced bilateral visual acuity in a 50-year-old patient was associated with macrocytic anemia, denutrition, and cutaneous ecchymoses. Oral vitamin C treatment provided subjective clinical improvement and regression of the retinal hemorrhages on fundus examination, with no side effects. Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen stability in vascular and bone walls.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Macrocytic / etiology
  • Ascorbic Acid / chemistry
  • Ascorbic Acid / physiology
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Collagen / physiology
  • Cooking
  • Diet, Vegetarian
  • Ecchymosis / etiology
  • Emergencies
  • Gastritis, Atrophic / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Scurvy / complications*
  • Scurvy / drug therapy
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / complications

Substances

  • Collagen
  • Ascorbic Acid