Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces in a young woman with anorexia nervosa.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Corless
J A
JA
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Arrowe Park Hospital, Upton, United Kingdom.
Delaney
J C
JC
Page
R D
RD
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*