Anorexia Nervosa and Peripheral Vasospasm: A Case Report

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Anorexia Nervosa and Peripheral Vasospasm: A Case Report

Case Report

Ana Isabel Martins

Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7441-2567

Rita Coutinho

Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6499-1235

Joana Silva

Departamento de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4119-9506

João Nascimento

Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8503-4466

Paulo Fonseca

Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6653-1651

DOI: https://doi.org/10.25754/pjp.2022.25946

Abstract


Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder associated with several medical conditions that are directly related to weight loss and starvation, including cardiovascular events and peripheral vascular disorders. We present a case report of a 15-year-old girl with anorexia nervosa and a severe peripheral vasospasm event which correlates directly with a decrease in body mass index without any other risk factor identified. Severe ischemia, as a complication of anorexia nervosa, is not common but has been reported in previous case reports, however, with other risk factors besides anorexia nervosa. Even though the exact pathophysiological mechanisms that predispose patients to vasculopathy in anorexia nervosa are still unknown, the likelihood of these complications increases as the patient further loses weight. Therefore, nutritional rehabilitation is fundamental to avoid these complications.