Abstract
As obesity prevalence increases worldwide, healthcare professionals are often faced with challenging cases associated with massive obesity. A 33-year-old woman (weight 342 kg, body mass index = 100 kg/m²) presented with respiratory failure, limb edema and ascites. Abdominal CT scan became feasible after initial weight loss and showed a large pelvic mass in contact with the left ovary. The surgical removal performed despite a high-risk profile led to the diagnosis of a giant mucinous borderline tumor whose growth was due to delayed care and responsible for multiple severe complications: sepsis, anemia, esophagitis, constipation, anorexia due to mechanical compression, undernutrition, sarcopenia and lower limb edema contributing to a severe disability. After 7 months under specialized care, her weight decreased to 180 kg, complications were treated and disability improved. This case, showing that, despite barriers, a multidisciplinary approach makes quality of care possible even in massively obese patients, is an educational example to reduce stigma.
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The authors would like to thank Dr T. Swartz for English editing.
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Poitou, C., Denis, M., Chakhtoura, Z. et al. Just the tip of the iceberg: difficulties in assessing and managing extreme obesity in routine clinical care. Eur J Clin Nutr 72, 452–454 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-017-0056-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-017-0056-z