Limb pain associated with an undiagnosed hemoglobinopathy and pseudononcyesis.
Over a 2-month period, a 16-yr-old African-American female presented with recurrent episodes of severe, migratory limb pain. Sickle cell C disease was ultimately diagnosed. She adamantly denied sexual activity but was found to be 28 weeks pregnant. Her limb pain was probably triggered by the metabolic and hemodynamic demands of pregnancy. The case illustrates the importance of thoroughly examining patients with recurrent, unexplained physical complaints.
Stevens-Simon
Catherine
C
Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Health Science Center, Denver, CO 80218, USA.
Riordan
Nancy
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001132:Arm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors