Scurvy in an autistic child: early disease on MRI and bone scintigraphy can mimic an infiltrative process

Scurvy is uncommon in the industrialized world and is rarely reported in the paediatric population. Children with developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders and poor oral intake are at increased risk. The classic appearance of scurvy on radiographs is well documented. However, in early disease, radiographs may be normal. Bone scintigraphy can detect early disease, but involves radiation and findings are usually non-specific. MRI can detect very early disease in patients with scurvy prior to radiological findings and does not involve radiation. We present a case of unsuspected scurvy in an autistic child who had abnormality confined to the metaphysis seen on both MRI and bone scintigraphy. Early diagnosis and treatment in our patient prevented more serious complications such as fractures and subperiosteal haemorrhages.