Surgical treatment of anorexia nervosa [Chirurgische therapie der anorexia nervosa]

The case of a female patient with rapid weight loss of unknown cause is reported. Numerous diagnostic procedures revealed no plausible cause for the patient's cachexia. An occult malignant tumor was assumed. Psychiatric evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of a neurotic disease. A review of the patient's angiogram showed occlusive disease of all mesenteric arteries. This was followed by mesenteric revascularisation. Rapid weight gain was paralleled by the disappearance of the neurotic symptoms. Ten years later, the patient continues to enjoy good health. © 2007 Springer Medizin Verlag.