The fatal outcome of an individual with anorexia nervosa and Sheehan's syndrome as a result of acute enterocolitis: A case report

Köpp, Werner; Rost, Felicitas; Kiesewetter, Sybille and Deter, Hans-Christian (2010). The fatal outcome of an individual with anorexia nervosa and Sheehan's syndrome as a result of acute enterocolitis: A case report. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 43(1) pp. 93–96.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.20652

Abstract

Objectives:
To illustrate the close association between a disturbed psychosocial up-bringing, frequent physical illness, and medical interventions.

Method:
We report a case of a 44-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa (AN) and Sheehan's syndrome who died as a result of a toxic cardiac arrest.

Results:
The patient presented with a BMI of 13.6 kg/m2. She refused any intensive-care treatment and died from toxic cardiac arrest. Postmortem examination revealed an acute gastroenterocolitis.

Discussion:
The history of this patient illustrates how psychological deprivation led to eating disturbances, early pregnancy, and the life-threatening delivery of twins. This resulted in a diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome, hepatitis C, and a ventricular ulcer. A psychosocial event triggered a late exacerbation of her AN. A helpful alliance between patient and staff did not occur as she rejected it.

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