Scurvy in a Child With Autism

• DOI: 10.1097/mph.0b013e318236c519
• Publication Date: 2013-06-13T21:24:47Z
• Authors: Tetsu Niwa; Noriko Aida; Yukichi Tanaka; Mio Tanaka; Masae Shiomi; Jiro Machida
• Keywords: Male; Hematoma; Ascorbic Acid; Prognosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Thigh; Humans; Femur; Scurvy; Autistic Disorder; Child

We present a case of scurvy in a 6-year-old boy with autism and an unbalanced diet. The patient was admitted with difficulties in walking. Magnetic resonance imaging findings of the thigh showed diffuse signal abnormality in the bone marrow, periosteum, and the femoral muscle. A biopsy specimen of the femur showed hematoma, proliferative fibroblasts, and few collagen fibers, which suggested a deficiency of vitamin C. Although recurrent periosteal hematoma may be suggestive of scurvy, this finding was subtle in the current case. It is important to be aware of this rare disease because it is easily cured with vitamin C supplementation.