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Recurrent pancreatitis presenting as fever of unknown origin in a recovering bulimic
Author(s) -
Zerbe Kathryn J.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(199211)12:3<337::aid-eat2260120315>3.0.co;2-w
Subject(s) - exacerbation , abdominal pain , acute pancreatitis , medicine , bulimia nervosa , pancreatitis , eating disorders , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , pediatrics , surgery
A case is presented of a patient with bulimia nervosa who developed fever of unknown origin. A comprehensive medical workup revealed that the patient suffered from acute recurrent pancreatitis. The case demonstrates how acute recurrent pancreatitis may present without abdominal pain or other hallmarks of the illness in a patient who has been in excellent control of her eating disorder. It behooves clinicians who treat eating disorders to be aware that their patients may present unusual symptom constellations while holding back crucial historical data about their illnesses. The treatment of the pancreatitis and preparation for diagnostic procedures by cathartics led to a rapid exacerbation of the patient's eating disorder.