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[A case of bilateral gestational gigantomastia]
Adja Coumba Diallo1, Mouhamadou Bachir Ba1
1Institut Joliot Curie de l'Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Sénégal.
The Pan African Medical Journal
|May 31, 2019
Summary
Gestational gigantomastia, a rare breast hypertrophy, caused significant bilateral breast growth and ulcers in a young patient. Symptoms resolved postpartum, suggesting a link between pregnancy and this condition.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pathology
Background:
- Gestational gigantomastia is a rare condition characterized by rapid, excessive breast hypertrophy during pregnancy, often exceeding 1500 cm³.
- The etiology of gestational gigantomastia remains largely unknown, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Observation:
- A 29-year-old patient presented with bilateral breast hypertrophy and ulcers evolving over two months, significantly impairing daily activities.
- Clinical examination revealed hypertrophied breasts with bilateral ulcers and a history of 28-weeks amenorrhea. Anatomopathological examination of the ulcers showed fleshy, bud-like tissue.
- Laboratory tests indicated significantly elevated prolactin levels (1345 µUI/ml) with normal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.
Findings:
- Bromocriptine therapy was ineffective in managing the patient's symptoms.
- A notable decrease in breast size and regression of skin ulcers were observed six months after vaginal birth.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential impact of pregnancy on breast tissue and hormonal regulation, specifically prolactin.
- While mastectomy is considered a radical treatment, the spontaneous postpartum regression observed in this case suggests potential hormonal influences or a self-limiting nature in some instances.
- Further research into the pathophysiology of gestational gigantomastia is warranted to explore less invasive treatment options.
