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Childhood-onset anorexia nervosa: towards identifying a biological substrate
I Gordon1, B Lask, R Bryant-Waugh
1Department of Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|September 1, 1997
Summary
This study found reduced regional cerebral blood flow in the temporal lobes of children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa. This brain blood flow abnormality persisted even after weight restoration, suggesting a primary functional issue.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The etiology of anorexia nervosa is complex and likely multifactorial.
- A biological substrate may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a potential underlying biological substrate in childhood-onset anorexia nervosa.
- To examine regional cerebral blood flow in pediatric patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- Regional cerebral blood flow was assessed using radioisotope scans in 15 children and adolescents (aged 8-16) meeting DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa.
- Follow-up scans were conducted on three patients after weight restoration.
Main Results:
- Thirteen out of 15 patients exhibited unilateral temporal lobe hypoperfusion (reduced blood flow).
- Hypoperfusion was observed on the left side in 8 patients and the right side in 5 patients.
- The temporal lobe hypoperfusion persisted in the three patients who underwent follow-up scans after achieving weight restoration.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first report of reduced regional cerebral blood flow in childhood-onset anorexia nervosa.
- The findings suggest a primary functional brain abnormality underlying this condition.
- The persistent nature of the hypoperfusion, even after weight recovery, supports the hypothesis of a primary neurological factor.