Reversible Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Scurvy in a Patient with a Psychiatric Disorder: a Case Report and Literature Review

  • Carolina Cavalcanti Gonçalves Ferreira Internal Medicine Service, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
  • Deborah de Sá Pereira Belfort Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Paulo Miranda Cavalcante Neto Respiratory Diseases Service, Institute of Medical Assistance to the State Public Servant, São Paulo, Brazil
  • Pedro Alves da Cruz Gouveia Internal Medicine Service, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12890/2020_001404

Keywords

Ascorbic acid deficiency, scurvy, pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be related to several diseases, such as connective tissue disorders and pulmonary embolism, or to drugs; it may also be idiopathic. Few cases have been reported demonstrating an association between ascorbic acid deficiency and reversible PH. We report the case of a patient who arrived at the emergency department with dyspnoea, tachycardia and lower limb perifollicular haemorrhage. Examinations, including a transthoracic echocardiogram, revealed enlarged right chambers and an estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure of 61 mmHg. Further evaluation revealed poor food intake due to paranoid personality disorder, leading to ascorbic acid deficiency and manifestations of scurvy.

Author Biographies

Paulo Miranda Cavalcante Neto ,
Respiratory Diseases Service, Institute of Medical Assistance to the State Public Servant, São Paulo, Brazil

Degree: Medical Resident of Clinical Pulmonology

Respiratory Diseases Service, Institute of Medical Assistance to the State Public Servant, São Paulo, Brazil

Street Pedro de Toledo, 1800 - Vila Clementino, São Paulo – Brazil Zip code: 04039-000

 

Pedro Alves da Cruz Gouveia ,
Internal Medicine Service, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Degree: Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine Service, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Avenue Professor Moraes Rego, 1235. Cidade Universitária. Recife/PE. Brazil. Zip code: 50670-901.

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    • Published: 2020-01-10

    Issue: Vol 7 No 2 (view)

    Section: Articles

    How to cite:
    1.
    Ferreira CCG, Belfort D de SP, Cavalcante Neto PM, Gouveia PA da C. Reversible Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Scurvy in a Patient with a Psychiatric Disorder: a Case Report and Literature Review. EJCRIM 2020;7 doi:10.12890/2020_001404.