Hemorrhagic Gastritis Due to Avitaminosis C

Abstract

Scurvy occurs in over 5 per cent of patients seen in normal practice, but it often is not properly diagnosed.

Vitamin C deficiency can cause hemorrhagic gastritis, with hematemesis.

Scurvy should be considered when roentgenographic studies show no ulcer in cases of supposed “bleeding ulcer.”

The author reports two cases of hemorrhagic gastritis caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Administration of large doses of vitamin C and citrus juice prevented recurrences of gastric bleeding.