Prader-Willi syndrome

Case contributed by Desiree Rassa Eshraghi
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Cough. Tested positive for COVID-19 over two months ago. Known Prader-Willi syndrome. Weight over 400 lbs.

Patient Data

Age: 15 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Considering lower lung volumes and portable technique there is at least mild diffuse cardiomegaly, mild to moderate diffuse central pulmonary vascular congestion, mild diffuse pulmonary interstitial edema and small left pleural effusion concerning for volume overload and/or CHF in this patient with known Prader-Willi syndrome.

No discrete ground-glass airspace opacifications to suggest COVID-19 pneumonia.

No definite effusion on the right or pneumothorax on either sides.

Elevated hemidiaphragms. No free air in the upper abdomen.

No acute osseous findings. She appears morbidly obese.

Case Discussion

Prader-Willi syndrome is caused by a loss of function on paternal chromosome 15. This neurodevelopmental genomic imprinting disorder is associated with early-childhood onset obesity, evident in this case. Growth hormone replacement therapy could improve growth, body composition, and physical attributes.

This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C. Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Pediatric Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Center.

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