Transient salivary gland hypertrophy in bulimics

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Transient salivary gland hypertrophy is a known clinical finding in individuals with bulimia nervosa.
• Enlargement of salivary glands, particularly the parotid and submandibular glands, has been observed in patients with eating disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between bulimia nervosa and salivary gland hypertrophy.
• To determine if treating bulimia nervosa leads to the resolution of salivary gland enlargement.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review was conducted.
• The study included 49 patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Eating Disorders Program.

Main Results:

• 29% (14/49) of patients exhibited parotid and/or submandibular gland hypertrophy during their treatment.
• Salivary gland enlargement resolved in all patients after successful treatment of their bulimia nervosa.

Conclusions:

• Bulimia nervosa should be considered in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland hypertrophy.
• Treatment of the underlying behavioral disorder, bulimia nervosa, is crucial for resolving salivary gland enlargement.