[Unusual presentation of scurvy mimicking a neuroblastoma]

Arch Pediatr. 2011 Jan;18(1):37-40. doi: 10.1016/j.arcped.2010.09.016. Epub 2010 Oct 30.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Scurvy, a disease related to ascorbic acid deficiency, remains rare in industrial countries. Ascorbic acid is a vitamin that intervenes most notably in the synthesis of collagen and catecholamines. We report the case of a 2-year-old boy hospitalized in a pediatric oncology unit because of an unusual presentation of scurvy revealed by pain and a significant increase in urinary catecholamine levels, raising fear of a neuroblastoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neuroblastoma / diagnosis*
  • Scurvy / diagnosis*