A 30-year-old woman developed massive bilateral breast hypertrophy (MB
H) during her third pregnancy. Both breasts became very heavy and pain
ful and more than tripled in size. The skin became oedematous and red,
and subsequently ulceration, necrosis and bleeding occurred. The pati
ent was bedridden because of the enormous size of the breasts. Prolact
in, oestrogen and steroid levels were normal. Hormonal manipulation wi
th bromocriptine, tamoxifen and cortico-steroids had no effect on the
progression of the MBH. A caesarean section performed at the 32nd week
arrested the MBH and caused a significant reduction in breast size. L
ater a reduction mammoplasty was performed and more than 10 kg of brea
st tissue was excised.