Diagnosing bulimia nervosa with parotid gland swelling.
BACKGROUND
The authors describe bulimia nervosa, or BN, and its effect on the parotid gland. The associated asymptomatic bilaterally enlarged parotid glands often present a diagnostic dilemma.


METHODS
The authors present a case of a 22-year-old woman with BN who had bilateral parotid gland swelling, serum electrolyte alteration and no dental stigmata. Her principal concern was the associated cosmetic deformity.


CONCLUSIONS
Because patients with BN who have parotid gland swelling usually are secretive about their purging, the diagnosis may be confirmed by conducting a clinical examination and a serum electrolyte study. Prompt diagnosis can avoid serious medical complications.
Mandel
Louis
L
Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York 10032, USA. lm7@Columbia.edu
Abai
Siamak
S
D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000209:etiology; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000209:etiology*