Gastric dilatation in a girl with former obesity and atypical anorexia nervosa

The intersect of gastrointestinal symptoms and malnutrition associated with anorexia nervosa and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Functional or pathophysiologic?-A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Although multiple pathophysiologic changes develop within the gastrointestinal (GI) system in the setting of malnutrition, the etiology of the reported multitude of symptoms in those with anorexia nervosa and avoidant restrictive intake disorder, as well as their contribution toward disordered eating, remain poorly understood. This systematic review seeks to better understand how these physiologic changes of malnutrition of the esophagus, stomach, intestines, and pancreas contribute toward the reported GI symptoms, as well as better understand how celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic floor dysfunction, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute toward disordered eating.

METHODS

Studies of any design exploring the pathogenesis of complications and treatment strategies were included. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were used to structure and complete the review.

RESULTS

A total of 146 articles were used for the review. The majority of studies were observational or case reports/case series.

DISCUSSION

Pathophysiologic changes of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines develop with malnutrition, although these changes do not consistently correlate with expressed GI symptoms in patients with restrictive eating disorders. Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease also contribute to disordered eating through the associated somatic GI complaints, while pelvic floor dysfunction and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome contribute through both somatic symptoms and functional symptoms. Indeed, functional GI symptoms remain problematic during the course of treatment, and further research is required to better understand the extent to which these symptoms are functional in nature and remit or remain as treatment ensues.

Backstage of Eating Disorder-About the Biological Mechanisms behind the Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) represents a disorder with the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric diseases, yet our understanding of its pathophysiological components continues to be fragmentary. This article reviews the current concepts regarding AN pathomechanisms that focus on the main biological aspects involving central and peripheral neurohormonal pathways, endocrine function, as well as the microbiome–gut–brain axis. It emerged from the unique complexity of constantly accumulating new discoveries, which hamper the ability to look at the disease in a more comprehensive way. The emphasis is placed on the mechanisms underlying the main symptoms and potential new directions that require further investigation in clinical settings.

Acute gastric dilatation due to binge eating may be fatal

Acute gastric dilatation was first described by Duplay in 1833. Since the stomach has rich blood circulation, necrosis and perforation due to dilatation are rarely seen. Clinically, more than 90% of cases have complaints of vomiting. The most useful method to determine diagnosis and etiology is computerized tomography (CT). Medical treatment is suitable for cases that have no necrosis or peritonitis findings. Delay in surgical treatment increases the risk of mortality. The present case is that of a diagnosis of gastric perforation due to acute gastric dilatation in a 24-year-old female patient.

Delayed Pneumoperitoneum and Acute Pulmonary Edema Secondary to Acute Gastric Dilatation

Pneumoperitoneum caused by acute gastric dilatation (AGD) is a very rare complication. We report a case of pneumoperitoneum and acute pulmonary edema caused by AGD in a patient with Parkinson’s disease. A 78-year-old woman presented with pneumonia and AGD. We inserted a nasogastric tube and administered empirical antibiotics. We performed an endoscopy, and perforation or necrosis of the stomach and pyloric stenosis were not observed. Thirty-six hours after admission, the patient suddenly developed dyspnea and shock, and eventually died. We suspected the cause of death was pneumoperitoneum and acute pulmonary edema caused by AGD during the conservative treatment period. Immunocompromised patients with chronic illness require close observation even if they do not show any symptoms suggestive of complications. Even if the initial endoscopic or abdominal radiologic findings do not show gastric necrosis or perforation, follow-up with endoscopy is essential to recognize complications of AGD early.

Gastrojejunostomy for pyloric stenosis after acute gastric dilatation due to overeating

A 34-year-old woman presented at our hospital with abdominal distention due to overeating. Acute gastric dilatation was diagnosed. The patient was hospitalized, and nasogastric decompression was initiated. On hospitalization day 3, she developed shock, and her respiratory state deteriorated, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Nasogastric decompression contributed to the improvement in her clinical condition. She was discharged 3 mo after admission. During outpatient follow-up, her dietary intake decreased, and her body weight gradually decreased by 14 kg. An upper gastrointestinal series and endoscopy revealed pyloric stenosis; therefore, we performed gastrojejunostomy 18 mo after her initial admission. The patient was discharged from the hospital with no postoperative complications. Gastric necrosis and perforation due to overeating-induced gastric dilatation are life-threatening conditions. Surgical intervention may be required if delayed pyloric stenosis occurs after conservative treatment. We report a case of pyloric stenosis due to overeating-induced gastric dilatation treated by gastrojejunostomy 18 mo after the initial presentation.

Gastric necrosis and perforation caused by acute gastric dilatation

Acute gastric dilatation was first defined by Duplay in 1833. We herein present the case of a 55-year-old male patient diagnosed with gastric necrosis and perforation caused by acute gastric dilatation. Since the stomach has a rich blood circulation, necrosis and perforation are rarely seen. Clinically, more than 90% of cases have complaints of vomiting. The most useful method in revealing the diagnosis and aetiology is computerized tomography. Medical treatment is appropriate for cases where no necrosis and peritonitis findings are detected through endoscopy. Delays in surgical treatment increase the risk of mortality.

Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) in eating disorders: evidence for association of the rs9939609 obesity risk allele with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE

The common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609 in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is associated with obesity. As genetic variants associated with weight regulation might also be implicated in the etiology of eating disorders, we evaluated whether SNP rs9939609 is associated with bulimia nervosa (BN) and anorexia nervosa (AN).

METHODS

Association of rs9939609 with BN and AN was assessed in 689 patients with AN, 477 patients with BN, 984 healthy non-population-based controls, and 3,951 population-based controls (KORA-S4). Based on the familial and premorbid occurrence of obesity in patients with BN, we hypothesized an association of the obesity risk A-allele with BN.

RESULTS

In accordance with our hypothesis, we observed evidence for association of the rs9939609 A-allele with BN when compared to the non-population-based controls (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.142, one-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.001-∞; one-sided p = 0.049) and a trend in the population-based controls (OR = 1.124, one-sided 95% CI 0.932-∞; one-sided p = 0.056). Interestingly, compared to both control groups, we further detected a nominal association of the rs9939609 A-allele to AN (OR = 1.181, 95% CI 1.027-1.359, two-sided p = 0.020 or OR = 1.673, 95% CI 1.101-2.541, two-sided p = 0.015,).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the obesity-predisposing FTO allele might be relevant in both AN and BN.

An autopsy case of sudden death due to acute gastric dilatation without rupture

We report the first autopsy case of fatal gastric dilatation without rupture. A 31-year-old woman who lived alone was found dead in her living room. Despite being very thin, she showed marked abdominal distention. Autopsy and histological findings revealed that a severely distended stomach, of which walls notably thin and displayed transmural necrosis, occupied the entire abdominal cavity. Severe congestion was observed in the intestine and cecum. Theses findings suggest that bulimia nervosa together with anorexia nervosa resulted in rapid dilation of the stomach. We conclude that the cause of death was acute circulatory failure from hypovolemic shock that occurred following compression of the inferior vena cava and superior mesenteric vein, and by loss of circulatory volume to the third space.

Massive binge eating, gastric dilatation and unsuccessful purging in a young woman with bulimia nervosa

This report describes the case of a young woman with bulimia nervosa who developed acute gastric dilation that was diagnosed by computerized tomography. The patient had no history of factors associated with delayed gastric emptying. The treatment course is reviewed, as is the pathophysiology of acute gastric dilation.

Massive gastric dilatation after a single binge in an anorectic woman

OBJECTIVE

Massive gastric dilatation is a very serious condition that is extremely rare in patients with no history of gastrointestinal disease. Several cases have been reported in patients with eating disorders, particularly after a binge. We report here the case of a young woman who developed severe gastric dilatation after a single binge.

METHODS

A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen was done and a psychiatric evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of acute gastric dilatation was confirmed and superior mesenteric artery syndrome was excluded. The patient responded to nasogastric drainage and bowel rest. She was also found to have situational anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as a nonspecified eating disorder.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates the serious sequel of even a single binge in any patient with abnormal dietary habits, and demonstrates the useful role of the CT scan in the diagnosis.

An unusual cause of dizziness in bulimia nervosa: a case report

OBJECTIVE

The current article describes the case of a 23-year-old female with purging-type bulimia nervosa who was evaluated by her primary care physician for dizziness and lightheadedness.

METHODS

After laboratory studies were performed by her primary care physician, the patient was admitted to the hospital because of severe anemia. The patient had been taking nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) at prescribed doses for shin splints that were secondary to jogging and developed gastric erosion.

RESULTS

Endoscopic examination showed that she had diffuse gastritis with linear, streaky ulcerations throughout the body of the stomach.

DISCUSSION

Lightheadedness is a common clinical symptom among individuals with eating disorders, but is typically related to dehydration, malnutrition, hypometabolism, and/or combinations of these factors. Clinicians need to consider NSAID use, which may cause erosive gastritis, blood loss, and lightheadedness.

Prader-Willi syndrome: causes of death in an international series of 27 cases

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex condition with many medical and psychological features. In individuals with this syndrome, causes of death were studied. Data of 27 case reports were collected. Ages at death ranged from neonatal to 68 years. None of the individuals were treated with growth hormone (GH). Most cases were not completely documented and autopsy was performed in a minority of cases only. In five cases, death was considered not to be causally related to PWS. Hypotonia with hypoventilation was noted in the babies, and acute respiratory illness with unexpected sudden death was experienced in young children with PWS. Two young children died after a short period of fever and gastroenteritis. Obesity and its complications leading to death were pronounced in the adult group. One (possibly two) adult(s) died from gastric dilatation and shock. Based on these data, some cautious conclusions can be drawn. In babies with PWS hypoventilation is a risk factor; upper airway infection may be more serious than anticipated and any other clinical features pointing to an infection should be taken very seriously. Therefore, young infants with PWS hospitalized with an upper airway infection and/or hypoventilation or gastroenteritis symptoms, should be closely monitored. Early diagnosis and prevention of overweight is a major factor in preventing early causes of death in individuals with PWS. In the adult group, weight reduction is important but difficult to manage. Sleep apnea should be recognized and treated. Pain in the upper stomach and/or vomiting should be taken as a possible sign of acute intestinal dilatation; intravenous support may be life saving.