Unusual accumulation of glycogen in liver parenchymal cells in a patient with anorexia nervosa

Intern Med. 1998 Aug;37(8):678-82. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.37.678.

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a fear of weight gain and a preoccupation with body image. Although hepatic involvement has been reported in patients with anorexia nervosa, the mechanism is not fully understood. We describe a patient with anorexia nervosa with liver function abnormalities. Light and electron microscopic observations revealed a remarkable accumulation of glycogen in hepatocytes. These results suggest that adaptive responses to starvation may alter carbohydrate metabolism in patients with anorexia nervosa.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa / metabolism*
  • Anorexia Nervosa / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / ultrastructure
  • Liver Glycogen / metabolism*

Substances

  • Liver Glycogen