Raynaud's phenomenon--or just skin with dye?
M Serinken1, O Karcioglu, I Turkcuer
1Pamukkale University Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, 20070 Denizli, Turkey. mserinken@hotmail.com
Emergency Medicine Journal : EMJ
|February 24, 2009
Summary
Munchausen syndrome, a factitious disorder, involves intentional self-harm for attention. This case highlights a patient presenting with self-induced cyanotic finger discoloration, mimicking Raynaud's phenomenon.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Munchausen syndrome is a factitious disorder characterized by deliberate falsification of medical history.
- It leads to unnecessary medical investigations and treatments.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old woman presented with acute finger pain and discoloration, initially diagnosed as Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Suspicious behaviors, including hiding a hand and an unusual blue stain after handwashing, prompted further investigation.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were self-induced, with Munchausen syndrome suspected after a doctor observed blue staining on their hand post-examination.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing factitious disorders in emergency settings.
Implications:
- Emergency and primary care physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for factitious disorders.
- Differentiating Munchausen syndrome from genuine medical conditions is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding iatrogenic harm.
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