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Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and eating disorders: a case report

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Abstract

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome represents a disorder due to partial (PAIS), mild (MAIS) or complete (CAIS) resistance to androgens caused by X-linked mutations of androgen receptor gene. CAIS is characterized by a female phenotype and XY karyotype. Cases of patients with CAIS and associated obesity have been reported, while to date, there are no reports about the onset of an Eating Disorder (ED) in the carriers of this condition. We describe the case of a patient affected by CAIS and Anorexia Nervosa (AN) restricting type later shifted to Bulimia Nervosa (BN). A previous overweight was present since childhood, contributing to severe Body Dissatisfaction (BD) and consequent restrictive behaviour in adolescence. Beyond its peculiarity, this case highlights also the importance of diagnosing and monitoring the overweight and BD in CAIS patients to avoid the onset of an ED.

Level of Evidence: V, descriptive study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychiatrist, Former University of Ferrara and Former Chief of Eating and Weight Disorders Center, University Hospital S. Anna, chief of Eating and Weight Disorders Unit“L’Albero”, Private Hospital “Salus”, Via Arianuova 38, Ferrara, Italy

    E. Manzato

  2. Medical Doctor, Former Responsible of Day Hospital of Internal Medicine and Eating Disorders, University Hospital S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy

    M. Gualandi

  3. Dietitian, University of Ferrara, Dietitian of Eating and Weight Disorders “L’Albero”, Private Hospital “Salus”, Ferrara, Italy

    E. Roncarati

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  1. E. Manzato
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  2. M. Gualandi
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  3. E. Roncarati
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Correspondence to E. Manzato.

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Research involving Human Participants and/or Animal: All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Manzato, E., Gualandi, M. & Roncarati, E. Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and eating disorders: a case report. Eat Weight Disord 26, 2421–2426 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-020-01069-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-020-01069-1

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