Recurrent Renal Colic in a Patient with Munchausen Syndrome

Francesco Miconi, Valentina Rapaccini, Emanuela Savarese, Gabriele Cabiati, Augusto Pasini, Giovanni Miconi, Nicola Principi and Susanna Esposito
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Francesco Miconi: Pediatric Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliera di Terni, 05100 Terni, Italy
Valentina Rapaccini: Pediatric Clinic, Università Tor Vergata, 00173 Rome, Italy
Emanuela Savarese: Pediatric Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliera di Terni, 05100 Terni, Italy
Gabriele Cabiati: Pediatric Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliera di Terni, 05100 Terni, Italy
Augusto Pasini: Unità Sanitaria Locale (USL) Umbria 2, 05100 Terni, Italy
Giovanni Miconi: Pediatric Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliera di Terni, 05100 Terni, Italy
Nicola Principi: Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
Susanna Esposito: Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06100 Perugia, Italy

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-6

Abstract: Background: In most of the cases regarding children, factitious disorders (FDs) are intentionally produced by parents. Less attention is paid to FDs in which a child or adolescent intentionally induces or falsifies the disease to attain a patient’s role. Case presentation: A 13-year-old immigrated and adopted boy previously underwent an operation for renal joint syndrome and was affected by recurrent episodes of renal colic. The boy was admitted reporting acute left flank pain with scars on the mucous face of his prepuce and had a recent previous hospitalization for the same reason. Laboratory tests and radiological findings did not reveal any morphological or functional alterations. Self-induced FD was suspected, and a psychiatric consultation was performed. After psychiatric consultation and remission of the symptoms with a placebo, a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome was suspected. The patient’s uncle was not initially convinced of the diagnosis. Some videos clearly showed that the boy was handling his prepuce to excrete stones, explaining the scars. A therapeutic plan with psychiatrist support was later accepted with a positive outcome. No further signs and symptoms of renal colic were reported. Conclusions: It is recommended that paediatricians include FD in the differential diagnosis of a persistent and unexplained medical condition. If suspicion arises, confirmation and long-term therapy by a group of qualified specialists, including psychiatrists, should be planned.

Keywords: factitious disorders; Munchausen syndrome; psychiatric diseases; renal colic; renal stones (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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