Hyperamylasemia and bulimia: A clinical review

Hyperamylasemia, often with abdominal symptoms, commonly occurs in patients with bulimia as well as in pancreatitis. Eleven bulimic patients presenting with hyperamylasemia are described; one case is described in detail. Of the 11, the source of amylase in 10 was salivary, not pancreatic. A careful history with questions about weight changes, eating behavior, body image, methods of weight control and purging, as well as a complete mental status examination should be done on females presenting with the above symptoms. Doing this will prevent unncessary procedures, drug prescription, hospitalizations, and latrogenic illness.