| Topic: | digestive diseases (dd) |
| Title: | Fistulizing Crohn's Disease: A Case of Mistaken Identity. |
| Author: | Mukherjee, A.K.; McDevitt, P.J.; Le, T.H. |
| Source: | Practical Gastroenterology. 31(2): 66-71. February 2007. |
| Abstract: | This article reviews the case of a 23-year old Caucasian female patient who presented 2 months after an acute appendicitis with an isolated rectovaginal fistula, suspected to be a complication of Crohn’s disease. Despite continued medical and surgical therapies, the fistula would not heal and complications of bleeding ensued. After eight hospitalizations, three surgeries, and more than $135,000 in medical expenses over an 18-month period, her disease was discovered to be self-inflicted. The authors describe this case of factitious disorder disguised as Crohn’s disease and highlight the importance of early diagnosis of this frequently missed disorder in order to initiate early and essential psychiatric care. The authors note that Crohn’s disease is a diagnosis based on a combination of physical findings, endoscopic disease, histopathology, and laboratory and radiographic abnormalities. Relying on only a portion of these parameters may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 4 figures. 2 tables. 10 references. |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English. |
| Major Keywords: | Digestive System Diseases. Crohns Disease. Psychological Factors. Mental Health. Symptoms. Self Inflicted Injury. |
| Minor Keywords: | Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Diagnosis. Therapy. Surgery. Patient Care Management. Case Reports. |
| Publication Number: | DDJA12939. |
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