Scurvy: A difficult diagnosis with a simple cure

Abstract Introduction Scurvy is an old disease, however in specific at risk populations it may present in current society. Case history A 70-year old man with a painful, swollen leg with bruising for 2weeks was treated in the Emergency Centre of a hospital in a poor community. His vital signs were within normal ranges. He consumed an unbalanced and infrequent diet and more than 10-units of alcohol a day. Discussion Symptoms of scurvy may be vague, yet a thorough physical examination along with a comprehensive medical history should encourage physicians to suspect this disease. Scurvy is fatal if left untreated; however oral administration of vitamin C will return even severely affected patients to normal health within weeks.