Anorexia nervosa remission during an episode of encephalitis.
OBJECTIVE
The case described suggests that there may be a neurobiological aspect to the etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) and that development of new pharmacological treatment strategies aimed at the central nervous system (CNS) may be possible.


METHODS
A 25-year-old female with AN lost her anorexic behaviors following an episode of encephalitis with associated hypoxic brain injury. Once the neurological sequelae resolved, the anorexic behaviors returned.


RESULTS
During recovery, the patient's weight increased from 37.8 to 51.1 kg and body fat content by skinfold measurement increased from 7.5% to 18.5%.


CONCLUSIONS
If a neurophysiological mechanism underlying AN could be identified, it might be possible to devise new treatment options.
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St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Birmingham
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D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002534:Hypoxia, Brain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012008:Recurrence; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous