Severe anorexia nervosa with liver and cardiac abnormalities: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background- Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterised by abnormal body weight, an excessive fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body weight and shape, which can lead to various physical consequences. Case presentation- Here, we present the treatment of a young female patient diagnosed with severe anorexia nervosa, exhibiting a meager body weight, with the lowest Body Mass Index (BMI) of 8.6 kg/m2. She displayed both liver and cardiac damage. Complications associated with anorexia developed progressively during the course of disease, with impaired liver and heart function being prominent and contributing to a critical condition that could potentially culminate in an unfavorable outcome. These symptoms showed gradual improvement with a carefully planned, multidisciplinary, collaborative, and step-by-step approach to nutritional supplementation. Conclusions- The success of this case may provide a reference for the future diagnosis and treatment of patients with similar conditions. Level of evidence IV- (case study).