Bone marrow hypoplasia in anorexia nervosa: a case report

If hematological abnormalities appear to be a common feature of severe anorexia nervosa, on the other hand bone marrow hypoplasia seems to be comparatively rare. We recently encountered a patient with anorexia nervosa who demonstrated a hypoplastic bone marrow associated with gelatinous transformation. These abnormalities were rapidly reversible with intensive nutritional rehabilitation. Bone marrow hypoplasia and gelatinous transformation are discussed in relation to current concepts of the role of nutrition in hematopoiesis in humans.