In the shadow of the baron: Sudden death due to Munchausen Syndrome

George R. Nichols, Gregory J. Davis, Tracey S. Corey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

The authors describe a woman who died suddenly in an emergency department restroom after self-injection of corn starch in an attempt to gain admission to the hospital. At autopsy, multiple pulmonary vascular corn starch granulomata were identified, as well as pulmonary arteries filled with brewer's yeast. Retrospactive evaluation of the patients medical history showed multiple signs of Munchausen Syndrome. The authors suggest that the case illustrates the importance of scene investigation and review of the medical history by emergency department personnel and the forensic pathologist.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)216-219
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1990

Keywords

  • Munchausen syndrome
  • behavioral emergency
  • pulmonary granulomata
  • sudden death

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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