[Subcutaneous emphysema in a borderline patient]

Rev Pneumol Clin. 2003 Jun;59(3):149-53.
[Article in French]

Abstract

This report concerns a 31-year-old woman. It is an intricate case including bilateral self-induced pneumoparotitis, cervical and facial subcutaneous emphysema and limited pneumomediastinum. Besides, this borderline patient simulated asthma attacks. The clinical picture was characteristic of Munchausen's syndrome with multiple hospitalisations in various hospitals, automutilations and intentional production of physical symptoms. The diagnosis and the treatment are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Asthma / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Munchausen Syndrome / complications
  • Munchausen Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / diagnosis*
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / pathology