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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Computed Tomography | Case report

Acute gastric dilatation in a patient with severe anorexia nervosa: a case report

Authors: Tyler Pitre, Jasmine Mah, Jaclyn Vertes, Barna Tugwell

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Acute gastric dilatation (AGD) leading to gastric necrosis and perforation has been reported to be a rare but fatal complication in young patients with eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa.

Case presentation

We report a case of a Canadian female patient presenting with mild abdominal pain, with a history of anorexia nervosa, the binge/purge subtype, who was found to have severe acute gastric dilatation on subsequent computed tomography imaging. Her clinical course was uncomplicated after gastric decompression. The cause of her AGD was thought to be secondary to dysmotility disorder caused by her anorexia nervosa.

Conclusion

Our case report demonstrates the importance of clinical identification of AGD and subsequent diagnosis and management. Because of the urgency to rule out obstruction or perforation through consultation or additional imaging modalities, recognition and correct diagnosis of this condition is necessary for appropriate patient management. In addition, our case report adds to an underreported but important complication of anorexia nervosa.
Literature
4.
go back to reference Todd S, Marshall G, Tyroch A. Acute gastric dilatation revisited. Am Surg. 2000;66:709–10.PubMed Todd S, Marshall G, Tyroch A. Acute gastric dilatation revisited. Am Surg. 2000;66:709–10.PubMed
Metadata
Title
Acute gastric dilatation in a patient with severe anorexia nervosa: a case report
Authors
Tyler Pitre
Jasmine Mah
Jaclyn Vertes
Barna Tugwell
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-020-02575-7

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