I read with interest the recent letter to the editor by the listeriosis patient, the response from the authors, and the editorial note.[1]

There was an apology regarding patient consent for publication from the editor-in-chief of a different journal 10 years ago.[2,3]

It is a good idea to have in place a written consent from a patient whose case history is being published. However, caution should be exercised for too strict a guideline.

The author reported a case of Munchausen’s syndrome presenting as prevarication anaphylaxis.[4] This report and other interesting cases from our psychiatry colleagues may not be published if the guideline on patient consent for publication is strictly followed.

—H.C. George Wong, MD Vancouver

References

1. Tetu M. Listeriosis patient speaks out. BCMJ 2008;50:492 [10].
2. Hoey J. Patient consent for publication—an apology. CMAJ 1998;159:503-504.
3. Wong HCG. Signed consent for publication. CMAJ 1999;160:315.
4. Wong HCG. Munchausen’s syndrome presenting as prevarication anaphylaxis. Can J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;4:299-300.