[Factitious recurrent septicemia and gastrointestinal corrosive burns].

History And Admission Findings: A 39-year-old woman was admitted for the treatment of recurrent septicemia, corrosive esophageal and gastric mucosal injury, and bloody stools.

Investigations: A search of her hospital room provided evidence of a self-inflicted disorder. Bacteremia with typical fecal flora had been caused by self-injected intravenous inoculation of stool and the esophageal ulcers by swallowed vinegar.

Treatment And Course: The patient was initially treated with meropenem. After initial clinical and psychological stabilization the patient refused further psychiatric or psychosomatic treatment.

Conclusion: Fluctuating or bizarre symptoms and unusual diagnostic findings may indicate self-inflicted disorders, in which the symptoms of illness are caused by the afflicted person him/herself.