MUNCHAUSENS-SYNDROME - A MEDICOLEGAL DILEMMA

In his or her life-long career, the physician will eventually encounte r a patient with factitious disorder, or Munchausen's syndrome. We dis cuss two patients complaining of renal colic that were identified as h aving Munchausen's syndrome. We review the literature to identify cert ain aspects of the disease and to discuss the medical and legal implic ations for the treating physician and hospital.