Rumination syndrome: an emerging case scenario

Rumination syndrome in ethiopia: a case study

Eating disorders are commonly believed to be rare or nonexistent in Africa. However, due to exposure to Western culture, a rise in eating disorders among African women is reported in the literature. This case study describes a 17-year-old Ethiopian girl who meets the DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa and the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders criteria for rumination syndrome. The article discusses the diagnostic delays, the difficulties in terms of therapy, and the context determinants that-combined with individual psychopathological features-are thought to contribute to the disorders. Health professionals should be informed about the prevalence of eating disorders in Africa and, more specifically, of rumination syndrome in young women with normal intelligence. In light of this case study, it seems necessary to raise awareness with regard to the insufficient evidence on effective therapies for rumination syndrome in individuals without intellectual impairment.

Subtotal Gastrectomy as "Last Resort" Consideration in the Management of Refractory Rumination Syndrome

Rumination syndrome is a behavioral disorder resulting in effortless regurgitation of undigested food within minutes of meal intake that is subsequently either re-swallowed or ejected. It is commonly misdiagnosed, patients often undergo extensive testing and multiple therapies, many of which are directed at suspected gastroparesis. A 25-year-old Caucasian female initially presented to our care 1 year ago with a 4-year history of nausea and vomiting occurring in the immediate postprandial period, specifically within 15 minutes from oral intake. She had an extensive history of multiple diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures over the previous 4 years which included cholecystectomy, botulin toxin injection into the pyloric sphincter, pyloroplasty, placement of a gastric stimulator and jejunal feeding tube with no sustained results. On a previous admission we determined the functional status of the stomach by obtaining full thickness gastric biopsies during a diagnostic laparoscopy. This revealed an adequate population number of cells of Cajal and myenteric neurons as well as normal stomach muscle. After 1 year of attempting “breathing relaxation techniques”, while being nutritionally maintained by nocturnal jejunostomy feedings, the patient presented again to our care with refractory nausea and vomiting and unable to work or function. Her weight was 90 lbs. She underwent a subtotal gastrectomy (80%) with Roux-en-Y reconstruction and continuation of jejunostomy feeding. The refractory nausea and vomiting significantly improved over the 4 weeks after discharge and breathing exercises were continued. On subsequent follow-up visits over a 6-month course, the refractory nausea and vomiting had resolved by more than 85% with and improvement in her BMI and quality of life.The recommended treatment of rumination syndrome is focused on breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to “distract” while eating. We believe our case is the first reported where a subtotal gastrectomy has been used to help overcome refractory rumination along with the usual therapy. This surgery is a “last resort” consideration to improve quality of life, returning the patient to employment and functional social status.

Chronic vomiting and diarrhea in a young adult female

Patient: Female, 25

Final Diagnosis: Rumination syndrome

Symptoms: Diarrhea • nausea • vomiting

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Psychology

Adult rumination syndrome: Differentiation from psychogenic intractable vomiting

Rumination syndrome is known to exist in infants and mentally retarded adults since long time. In past few years, some reports appeared that showed its existence in adult patients also. It is frequently confused with the intractable vomiting in adults and misdiagnosis leads to delay in appropriate management. We are here describing the case of a female patient with rumination syndrome where specific points in the history delineated the presence of this illness and helped in appropriate management. The patient became symptom free soon after the diagnosis was reached.