CASE REPORTS
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Gelatinous Transformation of Bone Marrow in a Patient with Anorexia Nervosa: An Uncommon but Reversible Etiology.

BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa is a relatively frequently encountered eating disorder. Beyond its psychiatric significance, it is associated with multiple hematological features such as cytopenia. It can be related to gelatinous transformation of the bone marrow. CASE REPORT We describe the case of a 20-year-old male admitted for rapid involuntarily weight loss. He presented with extreme bradycardia with a heart rate of 30 beats per minute with recent psychomotor impairment. Routine laboratory tests showed pancytopenia, and cytolysis on liver function tests. Cardiac investigations did not reveal abnormalities except for sinus bradycardia. Bone marrow aspirate revealed hypo-cellular marrow with infiltration by gelatinous substance. In addition, bone marrow biopsy showed fat cell atrophy along with loss of hematopoietic elements in areas of gelatinous transformation. During the patient's hospital stay, he had a restrictive oral diet. Thus, after consulting with a psychiatric specialist, a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa complicated with gelatinous transformation of bone marrow, bradycardia, and acute hepatitis was made. After psychiatric treatment and nutritional care, the patient regained weight, had a normal heart rate and normal liver function tests, and his full blood count and bone marrow examination were within normal range. CONCLUSIONS Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow can be the revealing feature of anorexia nervosa and some potentially reversible associations might prove life threatening if misdiagnosed. Furthermore, lack of suspicion can lead to unwarranted investigations increasing the cost incurred in healthcare delivery. Our patient had 3 systems involved: cardiac, hepatic, and hematological systems. Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow, although a rare condition, must be considered in such patients.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app