Hatcher Lauren,  Cassella Katharyn,  Foust Alexandra,  Johnstone Lindsey,  Leschied Jessica

Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-056

Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) was largely considered to be historical until recent years. The current prevalence of scurvy in the United States is approximately 7.1% and is thought to be increasing due to growing awareness of neurodiverse populations. Neurodiverse individuals show patterns of thought or behavior that are different from those of most people, but are still considered within normal range of human behavior. Interchangeable terms include neurodivergent, neurodifferent, and neurominority. While these terms traditionally refer to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), they also include individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Trisomy 21, dyslexia, sensory disorders, and others. In the ASD population alone, the incidence increased from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 36 children in 2020. Neurodiverse individuals are at risk for vitamin C deficiency as a result of a tendency towards extreme restricted diets. Clinically, vitamin C deficiency causes dermatologic symptoms (hyperkeratosis, corkscrew hair, poor wound healing), hemorrhagic symptoms (petechiae, ecchymoses, gingival bleeding), and skeletal symptoms (leg swelling/pain). It is largely a clinical diagnosis that can be supplemented or confirmed by laboratory, radiographic, and MRI investigations. This case review will highlight the typical presentation of scurvy with comments on the clinical presentation, associated neurodivergent behaviors contributing to the disease, and the radiographic and clinical diagnosis. In sum, vitamin C deficiency is becoming more prevalent in children that fall within the spectrum of neurodiversity and should be considered in the appropriate clinical context. Pediatricians and pediatric radiologists should be aware of the clinical emergence of scurvy, be able to recognize the imaging manifestations of the disease, and be sensitive to the unique needs of neurodiverse children. Read More

Authors:  Hatcher Lauren , Cassella Katharyn , Foust Alexandra , Johnstone Lindsey , Leschied Jessica

Keywords:  Vitamin C deficiency, Neurodivergent, Neurodiverse