Perimolysis: unveiling the surreptitious vomiter

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Perimolysis, or dental erosion, is commonly associated with chronic regurgitation.
• Suspecting anorexia nervosa is crucial in patients with perimolysis who deny vomiting, given the disorder's high morbidity and mortality.
• Current dental literature lacks clear guidelines for diagnosing surreptitious vomiting.

Observation:

• A case report detailing an approach to identify patients with perimolysis who engage in surreptitious vomiting.
• The study focuses on patients who deny vomiting despite exhibiting signs of perimolysis.

Findings:

• The proposed method utilizes simple blood and urine studies to detect surreptitious vomiting.
• This diagnostic approach aims to confirm vomiting in individuals with perimolysis who deny the behavior.

Implications:

• Provides a practical diagnostic strategy for clinicians encountering perimolysis in patients denying vomiting.
• Aids in the early identification and management of potential anorexia nervosa cases.
• Addresses a gap in dental literature regarding the confirmation of surreptitious vomiting.