Gestational gigantomastia-a rare entity complicated by life-threatening haemorrhage

Carlos Neblett1, Rajeev Venugopal1, Miguel Johnson1

  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine, University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

Gestational gigantomastia is a psychologically and physically debilitating disease of unknown aetiology. Underlying diseases that present as gigantomastia should be excluded by a thorough workup. Most cases respond to the preferred approach: conservative management, as foetal viability and well-being is of significant importance. However, in those cases where the maternal mortality is at risk, the surgical approach is preferred. Life-threatening haemorrhage may occur and early recognition and treatment is paramount to outcome. A case of gestational gigantomastia complicated by life-threatening haemorrhage is presented and discussed.