Echocardiographic Findings in Pediatric Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: A Retrospective Data Analysis

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) may be associated with severe cardiovascular complications in adolescents. This study examines the echocardiographic findings in pediatric AN patients treated at our University Hospital to assess the impact of severe disease on cardiac structure and function.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on echocardiographic data from 126 consecutive pediatric AN patients treated between August 2011 and August 2023. Key parameters, including left ventricular dimensions, ejection fraction, and pericardial effusion were evaluated and compared with a control group of 55 healthy adolescents.

Results: Significant reductions in left ventricular dimensions were observed in AN patients when compared reference values, with decreased left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters (LVEDd p < 0.001, LVEDs p < 0.001, IVSd p = 0.02, IVSs p = 0.03, AoVTI p < 0.001, LVOT p < 0.001). Adding to this, 15 out of 88 patients presented with an ejection fraction below 55%. Pericardial effusion was present in 26 patients (20.6%), particularly in those with severe malnutrition. When compared with the control group the patients showed significant alterations in EF (p = 0.005), E/È ratio (p = 0.011), FS (p < 0.001), AoVTI (p < 0.001), IVSd (p < 0.001), and LVDd (p < 0.001). The correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between BMI and TAPSE (p = 0.006), AoVTI (p = 0.002), LVDd (p = 0.006), LVDs (p = 0.004), LVPWs (p = 0.022). Follow-up data showed partial normalization of cardiac dimensions with weight recovery, though some cardiac abnormalities persisted.

Conclusion: The study highlights the critical impact of AN on cardiac structure and function in adolescents, emphasizing the need for regular cardiovascular assessment and echocardiographic monitoring. Pericardial effusion and reduced left ventricular dimensions as well as function are common in malnourished AN patients, necessitating early intervention and ongoing cardiovascular assessment to prevent long-term complications.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
11. Februar 2025