Peripatetic Pseudoporphyria

Abstract

THE colorful appellation of Munchausen's syndrome was coined by Asher¹ in 1951 to denote peregrinating patients with extraordinary complaints. Subsequent accounts by Gawn and Kauffmann,² Chapman³ and Clarke and Melnick⁴ have outlined the diabolical machinations such patients may employ to obtain hospitalization. The following case is reported because the lurid history is uniquely ingenious, and dissemination of this story and pictures may save countless hospitals and physicians needless expense and embarrassment.Case ReportE.T., a 36-year-old fisherman allegedly en route from Alaska to Massachusetts, reported to the Salt Lake County General Hospital Emergency Room on September 28, 1960, complaining of . . .