Scurvy in a patient with a restrictive diet.

Scurvy is a historically significant disease whose incidence has declined significantly with advancements in nutrition and access to varied foods. It is classically characterized by gingival bleeding, corkscrew hairs, and petechiae. In cases of severe deficiency, as seen in patients with years of a restricted diet, impaired connective tissue formation can lead to symptomatic, life-threatening bleeding diathesis. Risk factors for a restrictive diet in patients with unidentified bleeding diathesis should be recognized early to prevent significant morbidity.