Munchausen's syndrome presenting as rectal foreign body insertion: a case report
2008

Case Report of Munchausen's Syndrome with Rectal Foreign Body Insertion

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Khan Shakeeb A, Davey Christine A, Khan Shamsul A, Trigwell Peter J, Chintapatla Srinivas

Primary Institution: York District Hospital, UK

Hypothesis

Can Munchausen's syndrome present as rectal foreign body insertion?

Conclusion

The case highlights the need for clinicians to consider psychological motivations behind rectal foreign body insertions to avoid misdiagnosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The case presents a previously unreported scenario of rectal foreign body insertion as a manifestation of Munchausen's syndrome.
  • The patient had a history of similar presentations at other hospitals, suggesting recurrent behavior.
  • Psychiatric consultation revealed no formal psychiatric disorder other than the possibility of Munchausen's syndrome.

Takeaway

Sometimes, people do strange things to get attention or help, like putting things in their bodies. This case shows that it can happen for reasons other than just wanting to feel good.

Methodology

Case report detailing the presentation, diagnosis, and management of a patient with rectal foreign body insertion attributed to Munchausen's syndrome.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in interpreting the patient's motivations due to the unusual nature of the case.

Limitations

The case is based on a single patient, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

30-year-old unmarried Caucasian male.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-1626-1-243

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