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Magnetic resonance imaging appearance of scurvy with gelatinous bone marrow transformation

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Abstract

Scurvy is a lethal but treatable disease that is rare in industrialized countries. Caused by vitamin C deficiency, it is most prevalent in persons of low socioeconomic status and smokers. Low levels of circulating vitamin C result in poor collagen fiber formation that, in turn, leads to demineralized bones, microfractures, and poor healing. Here we report a case of scurvy in a 5-year-old boy with normal radiographs in whom initial concern for leukemia based upon magnetic resonance imaging and clinical presentation led to a bone marrow biopsy revealing gelatinous transformation.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Christopher M. Brennan & Cree M. Gaskin

  2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Cree M. Gaskin

  3. Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Kristen A. Atkins

  4. Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA

    Colleen H. Druzgal

Authors
  1. Christopher M. Brennan
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  2. Kristen A. Atkins
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  3. Colleen H. Druzgal
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  4. Cree M. Gaskin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cree M. Gaskin.

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Brennan, C.M., Atkins, K.A., Druzgal, C.H. et al. Magnetic resonance imaging appearance of scurvy with gelatinous bone marrow transformation. Skeletal Radiol 41, 357–360 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-011-1350-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-011-1350-9

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