Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow from a starch-free diet.

Gelatinous marrow transformation is characterized by marrow hypoplasia, fat atrophy, and gelatinous material deposition, and usually develops as a hematologic complication of chronic wasting disorders. Most of the cases associated with severe nutritional deficiency were seen in anorexia nervosa due to a depletion of protein or fat. This report describes a case of gelatinous transformation attributed to a specific restriction of carbohydrates in diet. The hematologic deficiency was eventually recovered after the patient resumed a regular starch-containing diet. This brief report illustrates the potential side effect of the compulsive dietary behavior on the hematologic system. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.