A case of anorexia nervosa complicated by pneumomediastinum and retropneumoperitoneum

Since anorexia nervosa is a multi-systemic disorder, as well as a psychiatric disorder, it needs a multidisciplinary approach. It causes many medical problems, including irregular menstruation, hematologic problems, decreased bone density, electrolyte imbalance, and dysrhythmias. Sometimes, this disorder also causes rare, unexpected complications, including abnormal air collections, such as pneumomediastinum, retropneumoperitoneum, or subcutaneous emphysema. The cause of these phenomena is unknown, although fragile parenchymal tissue that is disrupted easily when the local pressure is increased by coughing, vomiting, or defecation is a suggested cause. We experienced a case of anorexia nervosa complicated with abnormal air collections. After we excluded other possible causes, such as perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, and ordered the patient to undergo a short fast and inhale oxygen, the abnormal air collections resolved. We report this case because of its rarity and benign course. (Korean J Med 76:338-342, 2009)