Abstract
A case of extreme hyperlipaemia in a 25-year-old primigravida is reported. The presenting symptom was an attack of acute abdominal pain at term. During this attack triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels were found to be increased excessively. The course of labour was uneventful. Histological examination of the placenta revealed accumulation of lipid-containing macrophages in the intervillous space, a finding which has not been described previously. The patient was kept under observation over a period of 5 months postpartum. During this period the serum lipid concentration decreased, whereas a slight type IV hyperlipaemia persisted.