Introduction:
Bowel ischemia and necrosis is an uncommon complication of anorexia nervosa (AN), which may pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The review of the existing literature shows that the mortality rate of this condition reaches 80%.
Case:
We present a case of a 30 year old woman with long-standing AN complicated by ischemia and necrosis of the entire small bowel and the right hemicolon.
Conclusion:
A high index of suspicion of bowel ischemia is necessary when patients with AN present with abdominal symptoms. Timely diagnosis and treatment may prevent bowel necrosis and death.