title: Spurious sanguineous lacrimation.
abstract: Sanguineous lacrimation is an unusual clinical entity that may be caused by a wide spectrum of abnormalities. Disorders of the conjunctiva or of the blood clotting mechanism are the most common underlying problems. This paper describes a bizarre case in which a 16-year-old girl used food colouring to simulate blood in the tears. The appropriate steps in the investigation of a patient's complaint of bloody tears are reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001769:Blood; D005260:Female; D005505:Food Coloring Agents; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008306:Malingering; D013666:Tears
chemical_list: D005505:Food Coloring Agents