Article Text
Reminder of important clinical lesson
Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency
Summary
An otherwise fit and well 56-year-old man presented with extensive ecchymosis and soft-tissue haematomas affecting his legs. Coagulation studies were normal. Further questioning revealed a severely restricted diet. The bruising improved rapidly after commencing oral vitamin C supplementation. Serum vitamin C level was low, supporting the clinical diagnosis of scurvy.