Serum electrolytes in bulimic patients with parotid swellings.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether electrolyte levels can be used to diagnose bulimia nervosa (BN).

Study Design: Four patients with bilateral parotid swellings and BN or suspected BN were examined. Their serum electrolyte levels were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: In this limited study, hypochloremia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis were present in 1 patient. One patient showed both hypochloremia and hypokalemia, whereas a third patient had only hypochloremia and a low normal serum potassium. The fourth patient demonstrated suspiciously low serum levels of Cl(-) and K(+).

Conclusion: Because BN patients tend to be secretive regarding their disorder, serum electrolyte levels may serve as useful tools in diagnosing parotid swellings initiated by bulimia.