[Factitious recurrent septicemia and gastrointestinal corrosive burns].
METHODS
A 39-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of recurrent septicemia, corrosive esophageal and gastric mucosal injury, and bloody stools.


METHODS
A search of her hospital room provided evidence of a self-inflicted disorder. Bacteremia with typical fecal flora had been caused by self-injected intravenous inoculation of stool and the esophageal ulcers by swallowed vinegar.


METHODS
The patient was initially treated with meropenem. After initial clinical and psychological stabilization the patient refused further psychiatric or psychosomatic treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Fluctuating or bizarre symptoms and unusual diagnostic findings may indicate self-inflicted disorders, in which the symptoms of illness are caused by the afflicted person him/herself.
Löbermann
M
M
Abteilung für Tropenmedizin und Infektionskrankheiten, Universität Rostock.
Hemmer
C
C
Andree
H
H
Mau
R
R
Grimm
K
K
Reisinger
E C
EC
D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D000328:Adult; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004386:Duodenum / Q000293:injuries*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries*; D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005335:Fever of Unknown Origin; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000293:injuries*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000293:injuries*; D009780:Occult Blood; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012008:Recurrence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018805:Sepsis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology
D019342:Acetic Acid