Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces in a young woman with anorexia nervosa

Int J Eat Disord. 2001 Jul;30(1):110-2. doi: 10.1002/eat.1061.

Abstract

An eighteen year-old woman with anorexia nervosa was admitted to hospital with acute dyspnea. There was no history of trauma to the chest and the patient denied any vomiting.

Method: A chest radiograph was taken which showed bilateral pneumothoraces with complete collapse of both lungs.

Results: Following insertion of bilateral chest drains the patient made a complete recovery, later having bilateral pleurectomies performed to prevent recurrence.

Discussion: We discuss the evidence suggesting that the state of malnutrition that results from anorexia nervosa may in fact predispose patients to the development of pneumothoraces.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa / complications*
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Disorders / complications*
  • Nutrition Disorders / etiology*
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*