Elevated myocardial enzymes and natriuretic peptides in anorexia nervosa: prototypic condition for the pathophysiology of cachexia?

Cardiology. 2011;118(4):256-9. doi: 10.1159/000329512. Epub 2011 Jul 14.

Abstract

We report on a patient suffering from chronic anorexia nervosa who in the course of treatment showed elevated high-sensitive troponin T, creatine kinase and most markedly N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Elevated enzymes improved significantly throughout the course of treatment without cardiac specific medication but exceeded the normal range for weeks. Abnormally high myocardial enzymes and NT-proBNP in cachectic anorectic patients might resemble conditions of cardiac cachexia. A review of the available literature is provided. Further research is required to explain the pathophysiological meaning of the abnormal laboratory findings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anorexia Nervosa / blood*
  • Anorexia Nervosa / complications
  • Anorexia Nervosa / physiopathology
  • Cachexia / blood*
  • Cachexia / etiology
  • Cachexia / physiopathology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Creatine Kinase / blood*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Humans
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / blood*
  • Peptide Fragments / blood*
  • Troponin T / blood*

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • Troponin T
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Creatine Kinase