Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces in a young woman with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

An eighteen year-old woman with anorexia nervosa was admitted to hospital with acute dyspnea. There was no history of trauma to the chest and the patient denied any vomiting. Method: A chest radiograph was taken which showed bilateral pneumothoraces with complete collapse of both lungs. Results: Following insertion of bilateral chest drains the patient made a complete recovery, later having bilateral pleurectomies performed to prevent recurrence. Discussion: We discuss the evidence suggesting that the state of malnutrition that results from anorexia nervosa may in fact predispose patients to the development of pneumothoraces. © 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.