Pathology · patient case question
Which oral manifestation is most characteristic of this deficiency?
Patient case: Man with bleeding gums, easy bruising and poor wound healing
Patient: Male, 45 years old
Chief complaint: “My gums bleed a lot.”
Background: Vitamin C deficiency. Depression.
Current findings: Easy bruising, poor wound healing, bone pain. Periodontal disease.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Spontaneously bleeding, swollen gingiva
- A. Platelet count is NORMAL in scurvy. The bleeding is vascular in origin, not a platelet defect — a favourite distractor.
- B. Angular cheilitis points to RIBOFLAVIN (B2) or iron deficiency, or to candidal infection.
- C. CORRECT. The hallmark of scurvy in the mouth is swollen, spongy, haemorrhagic gingiva that bleeds with minimal or no provocation, caused by capillary fragility and breakdown of periodontal connective tissue.
- D. White cell count is unaffected.