Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (Pickwickian syndrome)

Alternative names:

Pickwickian syndrome

Definition:

A group of symptoms that can accompany massive obesity.

Massive obesity interferes with the movement of the chest wall and subsequently reduces the breathing. This results in a decreased ability to oxygenate the blood. Affected individuals suffer from chronic hypoxia (decreased blood oxygen). The Pickwickian syndrome is characterized by massive obesity, flushed face, frequent short episodes of irresistible sleep throughout the day, and disturbed sleep at night. These individuals are at risk for hypoxic cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and cor pulmonale.