Shortness of Breath and Abdominal Pain in an Obese Woman

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Background

A 52-year-old obese white woman (gravida 2, para 2) presents to the emergency department with shortness of breath and crampy abdominal pain. She was seen 3 weeks ago by her family practitioner for similar pain. Her examination findings were normal at that time, per her report. She was referred to a gastroenterologist. From that appointment, she reports normal examination findings. She had a screening colonoscopy 1 week ago and reports no issues; she has not had her follow-up appointment.

Upon further questioning, she reports that her appetite is decreased and that she has been experiencing early satiety for the past 1-2 weeks. She reports having normal bowel movements and urinary habits. She has a medical history of hypercholesterolemia and mild hypertension. She had a screen for diabetes last year that was negative. She has a surgical history of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and a hysterectomy. She takes metoprolol and atorvastatin. She has no known allergies. She reports no smoking, drinking, or illicit drug use. She has a family history of hypertension and breast cancer.

Cite this: Shortness of Breath and Abdominal Pain in an Obese Woman - Medscape - Feb 11, 2015.

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