[Severe leukopenia and bone marrow hypoplasia with gelatinous transformation in anorexia nervosa].

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS

A 26-year-old woman was admitted because of excessive weight loss: her body mass index was 11.3 kg/m (2). She reported an adequate food intake and denied fear of gaining weight.

INVESTIGATIONS

The leukocyte count on admission was 2.0/nl. Bone marrow biopsy showed gelatinous bone marrow transformation with hypocellularity. Psychiatric examination and observation of the patient's eating behavior revealed symptoms typical of anorexia nervosa.

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: Because of the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa behaviour therapy was started. During the following months the patient continually gained weight. But it took nine months for leukocyte count to be normal, by which time her body mass index had risen to 17.8 kg/m (2).

CONCLUSION

Severe weight loss in anorexia nervosa may lead to leukopenia and gelatinous bone marrow transformation. The abnormal leukocyte count can become normal by maintaining body weight within the normal range.