Massive gastric dilatation after a single binge in an anorectic woman.
OBJECTIVE
Massive gastric dilatation is a very serious condition that is extremely rare in patients with no history of gastrointestinal disease. Several cases have been reported in patients with eating disorders, particularly after a binge. We report here the case of a young woman who developed severe gastric dilatation after a single binge.


METHODS
A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen was done and a psychiatric evaluation was performed.


RESULTS
The diagnosis of acute gastric dilatation was confirmed and superior mesenteric artery syndrome was excluded. The patient responded to nasogastric drainage and bowel rest. She was also found to have situational anxiety and depressive symptoms as well as a nonspecified eating disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates the serious sequel of even a single binge in any patient with abnormal dietary habits, and demonstrates the useful role of the CT scan in the diagnosis.
Barada
Kassem A
KA
Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. kb02@aub.edu.lb
Azar
Cecilio R
CR
Al-Kutoubi
Aghiad O
AO
Harb
Rami S
RS
Hazimeh
Youssef M
YM
Abbas
Jaber S
JS
Khani
Munir K
MK
Al-Amin
Hassen A
HA
D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000523:psychology; D002032:Bulimia / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D013271:Gastric Dilatation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D015431:Weight Loss