Anorexia nervosa and Crohn's disease: intrications and diagnostic problems - Three cases

Introduction Diagnosis, of anorexia nervosa is readily evoked in young girls who associate decreased food intake and weight loss. Among the differential diagnoses of anorexia, it is important to underline the preponderant place occupied by Crohn's disease. Observations We report three cases of young 18 to 25 year-old girls, initially treated for anorexia nervosa in a psychiatric department Diagnosis of Crohn's disease was made within 5 to 13 years. The clinical and biological characteristics are reported for each case. Comments In View of the frequency of digestive disorders concomitant to eating disorders, the distinction between anorexia and digestive disease is particularly delicate. it requires appropriate somatic and biological assessment that, when confronted with clinical and/or biological atypia, may query the initial diagnosis of anorexia. (C) 2002, Masson, Paris.