Bilateral gestational gigantomastia complicated by severe sepsis; case report of a preventable mortality

Abstract

Gestational gigantomastia is characterized by a rapid and disproportionate growth of the breasts with a homogeneous increase in breast volume. Enlargement of the breasts with infection, ulceration and sepsis are potentially fatal for the patient and her fetus. The management is challenging, however the need for appropriate surgical intervention is rarely in question. A multidisciplinary approach regarding the decision for surgery and the timing of surgery is crucial to outcome. We report a case of gestational gigantomastia complicated by severe sepsis in a low resource setting to highlight the peculiar challenges of management.