Anorexia Nervosa and Salivary Gland Enlargement

Abstract

Enlargement of the salivary glands can occur in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). This enlargement appears to be related to both the nutritional deficiencies and the bizarre eating habits (particularly the bulimia and vomiting) characteristic of these patients. In some patients, the salivary gland enlargement persists despite return to normal weight. Three patients illustrating this finding are described and the implications of this association between AN and salivary gland enlargement are discussed.