• A perplexing case of apparent submassive hemoptysis in a young woman was discovered to be a case of factitious illness to attract medical attention. The case fits most of the accepted criteria for Munchausen's syndrome. Variants of this syndrome are reviewed. It is often not recognized that factitious illness is frequently seen in otherwise well-socialized persons, often health professionals (as in this case).

(Arch Intern Med 1983;143:567-568)