Pseudocyesis in an Adolescent Patient

Abstract

The physical and psychological changes of pseudocyesis have bewaidered phy sicians since the time of Hippocrates. We present the case of a 14-year-old girl as a reminder that pseudocyesis needs to be considered in adolescents and that the diagnosis may not be obvious, even with current technologies. We document that gaseous distension and abdominal fat deposits can lead to dramatic abdom inal fullness and can mimic a term pregnancy.