Case Report

A Rare Cause of Hemoptysis: Factitious Disorder

Authors: Nurdan Kokturk, MD, Numan Ekim, PROF, Selcuk Aslan, MD, Asiye Kanbay, MD, Aysegul Tetik Acar, MD

Abstract

Hemoptysis is an important symptom that requires broad evaluation, including invasive procedures. Nevertheless, in a considerable number of patients, the cause of hemoptysis may not be adequately determined despite extensive investigations. Factitious hemoptysis is a manifiestation of Munchausen syndrome that describes a group of patients who intentionally produce or feign symptoms or disabilities. Although the disorder is rare, it is believed to be under recognized and under reported. Therefore, there is an urgent need for increased awareness of the disease in order to avoid unnecessary, expensive and sometimes dangerous medical treatment and manipulations. We report a case of Munchausen hemoptysis as a reminder that factitious origins should be added in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis of unclear etiology.


Key Points


* Hemoptysis might be a symptom of factitious disorder.


* Munchausen syndrome should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis.


* In Munchausen syndrome the physical examination and laboratory workup are generally normal.

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