The case involved reiterated ingestion of foreign bodies (two earrings, probably a button but not confirmed, a 5- centimeter screw, and two sewing needles). The abuse was perpetrated by a 22-year-old mother with a psychiatric record of behavior disorders and family dysfunction on a 10-month infant with a history of prematurity, repeated visits to emergency rooms, and nonjustified multiple hospital admissions. Difficulties in the diagnosis and the need for early detection are noted, and consideration is paid to indicators, diagnostic criteria, and management procedures in the case. 57 references and 3 figures