Scurvy as a mimicker of arthritis: Isolated hemarthrosis due to vitamin C deficiency, a case report

Abstract

Scurvy, linked to Vitamin C deficiency, can be challenging to diagnose in the western hemisphere, known for its ample Vitamin C-rich dietary choices. Moreover, presentation of the symptoms may vary and lead to a complex, diagnostic dilemma. Hemarthrosis and intramuscular hematomas are conditions seen more commonly with traumatic, hematologic and other etiologies. We present a case of a rare instance of a 66-year-old gentleman with isolated hemarthrosis due to a vitamin C deficiency from incidental poor nutritional intake. The diagnostic workup demonstrated can be a cumbersome process, but resolution upon Vitamin C supplementation can have substantial outcomes for a relatively cheap intervention.