Limp and difficulty weight bearing in a child with autism spectrum disorder: Scurvy as a mimicker of osteomyelitis

Abstract

Introduction: Often thought of a disease of the past, scurvy remains a disease of the present. Recent cases have been described in an infant fed exclusively almond beverage, in a child receiving peritoneal dialysis and in the context of neurodevelopmental disability. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be at higher risk of scurvy, and other micronutrient deficiencies, because of restricted diet and limited food repertoire. Nevertheless, because of the perceived rarity of these conditions, diagnosis may be delayed and may only come after unnecessary, invasive investigations. Case Report: A 10-year-old boy with ASD presented to the …