Transient salivary gland hypertrophy in bulimics

Transient salivary gland hypertrophy is a reported clinical finding in patients with bulimia. A retrospective chart review of 49 patients enrolled in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Eating Disorders Program with a diagnosis of bulimia showed 29% (14/49) had at some time either parotid and/or submandibular gland hypertrophy noted on physical exam. Resolution of the salivary gland enlargement occurred in all of our patients after treatment of their bulimia. Bulimia must, therefore, be considered in the differential diagnosis of salivary gland hypertrophy, and treatment should be directed at the underlying behavioral disorder.