Statural growth deficiency due to anorexia nervosa. A case in a patient with an unaffected identical twin.

The impact of anorexia nervosa on final stature was evaluated in a patient who had an unaffected identical twin. Weight gain and statural growth were identical in the two girls until II years of age, when one of the twins dev eloped anorexia nervosa. A 20-kg difference (3 SD) in weight and an 8-cm di fference in stature (1.5 SD) were noted at 15 years 3 months of age. The ea ting disorder resolved, and catch-up growth reduced the gap over the follow ing year (+ 3 cm). Bone age was then 16 years, indicating that growth was a lmost completed and the difference in stature was 7 cm (1.3 SD). Comparison of the weight and stature charts of the two twins provides a striking illu stration of the consequences of anorexia nervosa on linear growth.