# Self-inflicted tourniquet application resulted with two fasciotomies: Case report of an initially omitted Munchausen case

## TL;DR

A patient with Munchausen Syndrome feigned a medical emergency, leading to unnecessary surgery and highlighting the need for vigilance in atypical cases.

## Contribution

Highlights Munchausen Syndrome as a rare but important differential diagnosis in atypical clinical presentations.

## Key findings

- The case involved a patient who self-inflicted injury to simulate compartment syndrome.
- The patient required two fasciotomies before Munchausen Syndrome was diagnosed.
- The case underscores the challenge of diagnosing psychiatric conditions masquerading as medical emergencies.

## Abstract

Compartment syndrome is an emergency which requires prompt intervention. While main challenge typically revolves around determining necessity for fasciotomy in suspected cases, etiology is often pronounced, leaving little room for differential diagnosis.

We report a case with unconventional presentation and clinical course, ultimately diagnosed as Munchausen Syndrome.

It has been reported that individuals with Munchausen syndrome are successful at manipulating healthcare professionals. They often study the symptoms of their sickness, examination findings, and findings that may alert doctors, mastering their techniques over time.

It is of importance to consider Munchausen Syndrome as a potential cause, particularly in cases where clinical history and course of symptoms do not align with our experiences and cannot be reconciled with other possible diagnostic patterns.

•Munchausen syndrome is characterized by patients feigning illness to receive medical treatment without a clear secondary gain.•While Munchausen syndrome is classified as a psychiatric diagnosis, individuals with this condition often seek medical attention at different clinics.•Individuals with Munchausen syndrome are successful at manipulating healthcare professionals.

Munchausen syndrome is characterized by patients feigning illness to receive medical treatment without a clear secondary gain.

While Munchausen syndrome is classified as a psychiatric diagnosis, individuals with this condition often seek medical attention at different clinics.

Individuals with Munchausen syndrome are successful at manipulating healthcare professionals.