title: Myoedema in anorexia nervosa: a useful clinical sign.
abstract: When significant weight loss occurs in anorexia nervosa, routine physical examination may reveal the striking phenomenon of myoedema or muscle mounding. This refers to the way in which a localised short-lasting swelling may be induced in a voluntary muscle as a result of tactile percussion, ideally with a patellar hammer. The present case report describes this finding in a patient with anorexia nervosa and discusses its physiological and clinical significance. It is suggested that as a clinical sign myoedema may be of value in the management of anorexia nervosa by challenging the denial of illness which is so characteristic of it.
authors.affiliation: University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: H Gethin
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barry
authors.forename: M Hilary
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D001132:Arm; D004487:Edema / Q000150:complications*; D004576:Electromyography; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D010808:Physical Examination