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Published on: September 22, 2023
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Pneumatosis Intestinalis and Anorexia Nervosa
Dennis Gibson1,2, Ashlie Watters1,2, Fredric Pieracci3,4
1ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders at Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Surgical Infections
|August 15, 2022
Summary
Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI), a rare finding in anorexia nervosa (AN), was observed in seven AN patients, primarily in the right colon. This suggests a potential association between AN and PI, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is gas in the intestinal wall, often indicating serious conditions.
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by severe malnutrition.
- The association between AN and PI is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of PI in patients with AN.
- To explore a potential link between AN and PI.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of seven patients diagnosed with AN and PI.
- Analysis of clinical findings, including subtype of AN, feeding methods, and abdominal examination results.
Main Results:
- All seven patients had PI predominantly in the right colon.
- No small intestine involvement was noted.
- Most patients had the binge-purge subtype of AN, received tube feeds, and presented with abdominal tenderness.
Conclusions:
- A potential association between AN and PI may exist.
- Non-operative management was successful for all patients.
- Surgical decisions in malnourished AN patients with PI require careful consideration due to surgical risks.
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