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Acrocyanosis in anorexia nervosa.
1University of Exeter Postgraduate Medical School, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Acrocyanosis, a peripheral circulation disorder, is more common in severely ill anorexia nervosa patients. It correlates with pallor, slower pulse, and higher glucose levels, possibly indicating an extreme heat conservation mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Acrocyanosis is an uncommon peripheral circulation disorder.
- Its occurrence in anorexia nervosa is not well understood.
- The correlation between acrocyanosis and other anorexia nervosa features is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of acrocyanosis in anorexia nervosa patients.
- To determine if acrocyanosis correlates with the severity of illness or other clinical features in anorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- An unselected series of 155 patients with anorexia nervosa were studied.
- Data on acrocyanosis and associated clinical features were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Acrocyanosis was present in 32 patients (20.6%).
- Acrocyanosis prevalence increased with illness severity.
- Associated features included facial/trunkal pallor, slower pulse rates, and higher fasting plasma glucose levels.
Conclusions:
- Acrocyanosis in anorexia nervosa may represent an extreme heat-conserving mechanism.
- The relationship between peripheral vascular changes and plasma glucose levels warrants further investigation.