Merycism – A case report about rumination syndrome

Abstract

Introduction

Rumination is a common phenomenon among ruminant animals but in humans, it is always regarded as a symptom indicative of abnormal function of the upper gastrointestinal track. It is characterized by recurrent regurgitation of recently ingested food into the mouth. This syndrome was previously described in children and adults with mental retardation, but this entity is becoming increasingly recognized in children, adolescents and adults with normal mental capacity.

Objectives/aims

The authors describe a clinical case of a 51-year-old woman with rumination syndrome and bulimia nervosa.

Methods

A detailed report of the clinical case was made as well as a literature review of articles published in Pubmed/Medline on the topic “Rumination syndrome” and “Merycism”.

Results

The authors describe a clinical case of a 51-year-old woman who began ruminative behavior when she was 10 years old, describing the regurgitation of the swallowed food back to her mouth shortly after eating and the re-chewing of it. She states that the regurgitated food tastes the same as when she ate it and she denies any pleasure associated with this behavior. When she was 17 years old, by the time she was pregnant, she started bulimic behavior and, as the rumination, it never ceased. Her medical history is significant for chronic gastritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Conclusions

Although rare, merycism is an entity in the clinical practice of eating disorders. With this work, the authors share this case report as well as information concerning this topic.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.