A homeless man presents to the ER with multiple bruises, swollen gums, and petechiae. His diet for the past two years has consisted solely of red meat and diet coke. What is the likely diagnosis?
1.Beriberi
2.Pellagra
3.Rickets
4.Scurvy
5.Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Correct answer
Scurvy
Explanation
The patient’s presentation is typical of Vitamin C deficiency and scurvy. Beriberi (thiamine deficiency) has neuropathic consequences. Pellagra produces the three Ds (dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis). Rickets is caused by Vitamin D deficiency and leads to weak bones/easy fracturing. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is also caused by severe thiamine deficiency and has numerous neurological & gait abnormalities.