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Munchausen sickle cell painful crisis.
1Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|July 1, 1992
Summary
A young woman feigned sickle cell anemia by having sickle cell trait and iron deficiency anemia. This case highlights the importance of identifying factitious disorders in patients with genetic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Factitious disorders involve the intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological signs and symptoms.
- Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by recurrent painful crises.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old female presented with recurrent painful crises, mimicking homozygous sickle cell anemia.
- The patient possessed sickle cell trait and iron deficiency anemia, enabling her to simulate the symptoms.
Findings:
- The patient successfully feigned sickle cell anemia symptoms through a combination of genetic predisposition (sickle cell trait) and acquired condition (iron deficiency anemia).
- This case demonstrates a unique presentation of a factitious disorder within the context of a genetic blood disorder.
Implications:
- Clinicians must consider factitious disorders when evaluating patients with genetic conditions presenting with unusual or exaggerated symptoms.
- Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory investigations to differentiate feigned symptoms from actual disease manifestations.