Gelatinous bone marrow transformation secondary to unusual eating habits and drastic weight loss

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jul 16:2013:bcr2013200243. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-200243.

Abstract

Gelatinous bone marrow transformation (GMT), also known as starvation bone marrow, has been reported in a number of chronic illnesses, eating disorders (anorexia nervosa) and malignancies. We report the case of a 37-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder and obesity (weighing >300 pounds) who presented due to recently developing a deep yellow colour to his skin. Over the past 2 years, through diet and exercise, he lost over 150 pounds. He reported running 6-8 miles per day and eating 'lots of squash'. We made the diagnosis of starvation hepatitis and bone marrow degeneration, and referred the patient to a dietician and haematologist/oncologist, where improvements were observed at 4 weeks follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / diet therapy
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / etiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Feeding Behavior / physiology*
  • Hepatitis / diet therapy
  • Hepatitis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / complications
  • Starvation / complications
  • Weight Loss / physiology*