Ovarian capillary hemangioma presenting as pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome: A case report

We report a case of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome, consisting of bilateral ovarian hemangiomas, hydrothorax, ascites, and an elevated CA 125 level, which was resolved after laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

Demons syndrome revisited: a review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To report various descriptions of the combination of a benign genital tumour with pleural and/or abdominal effusion throughout the years and to determine the paternity of this syndrome, commonly known as Meigs' syndrome.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature from 1728 to 2004.

RESULTS

Before 1880, publications were rare and limited to clinical and anatomical descriptions drawing no conclusions between the cause and effect of this condition and even less about its management. Demons described the syndrome between 1887 and 1902. He was the first to specify that removal of the tumour (benign ovarian cyst, solid ovarian tumour, fibroma of the broad ligament) was essential for the patient to be cured of the effusions and that it was wrong to postpone surgery. In 1937, Meigs arrived at the same findings concerning ovarian fibromas and granulosa cell tumours, hence the name of Demons-Meigs which was given to this syndrome with the agreement of Meigs. Current literature reports on pseudosyndromes of Demons-Meigs including genital malignancies with negative cytology. These entities should not be called Demons or Meigs pseudosyndromes. Inversely, all benign tumours of the genital tract should be included in Demons syndrome, even if Demons did not actually encounter any during his years of practice, but it was in the spirit of his observations.

CONCLUSION

Demons' syndrome includes all benign genital tumours, the Demons-Meigs eponym is reserved for the description of ovarian fibromas and granulosa cell tumours, and the Demons' pseudosyndrome includes all other entities.

Meig's or Pseudomeig's syndrome?

The triad of ascites, hydrothorax in association with a benign ovarian tumor is defined as Meig's syndrome. It is a rare clinical entity. A case of a 62 year-old woman whith dyspnoe, abdominal discomfort and ascites is presented. Clinical and ultrasonographic findings revealed extended palpable pelvic mass originating from the ovaries and ascites as well as hydrothorax of the left lung by chest radiography. The treatment method was surgical intervention. Cytomorphologic studies were positive for malignacy and adenocarcinoma cells were confirmed. The pathogenesis of the pleural and ascites fluids and the importance of CA-125 are discussed (Fig. 2, Ref. 21).

Ovarian sclerosing stromal tumor presenting as Meigs' syndrome with elevated CA-125

Meigs' syndrome caused by sclerosing stromal tumor is extremely rare and only two cases have been reported to date. An elevated serum level of CA-125 is also unusual and it has been thought that it is the consequence of physical irritation and inflammation. In this report, we present the case of a 50-year-old postmenopausal woman with a sclerosing stromal tumor presenting with Meigs' syndrome and an elevated CA-125 level (1476.8 IU/mL). This case highlights the difficulty in discerning the diagnosis of Meigs' syndrome from that of an ovarian malignancy and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis in postmenopausal patients with pelvic mass, ascites, pleural effusions and elevated serum CA-125.

Meigs' syndrome

Meigs' syndrome is a rare clinical condition commonly considered to be associated with malignant ovarian tumour. A case of unmarried female is presented who came with a slowly increasing abdominal mass. Clinical and ultrasonic investigations revealed a mobile, solid right adenexal tumour in the lower abdomen, along with ascites and pleural effusion of the right lung. The level of CA 125 was also raised. Diagnosis of Meigs' syndrome was confirmed after surgical intervention. The tumour was successfully removed and pleural effusion disappeared 15 days after the intervention. Cytomorphologic study of both the tumour and ascitic fluid was negative for malignancy.

[Pseudo-Meigs syndrome, a rare variant]

The pseudo- Meigs syndrome is defined as a pelvic tumour, other than the ovarian fibroma complicated with ascites and hydrothorax that can be recovered after the tumour is surgically extirpated. The uterine leiomyoma is an extremely rare cause of this syndrome, only 24 cases have been recorded so far, most of them presenting hydropic degeneration or necrosis. The case exposed by us, a 50- year old obese,with nanism woman, presented clinical, biological and imaging characteristics of the syndrome; moreover, she had arterial high blood pressure for more than five years, fact that didn't need postoperative treatment. She was sent to the ER because she had severe respiratory insufficiency, arterial high blood pressure, tachycardia and, at the clinical examination, she presented massive right hydrothorax, ascites, and pelvic tumour. The biologic explorations (the benign cytology in the pleural liquid and ascites, CA-125 with ten times the normal value) and the imagery completed the picture of a Meigs/ pseudo-Meigs syndrome that implied the laparotomy. The H-P examination and the postoperative evolution confirmed the diagnosis. We presented this case in order to emphasize both its rarity and its real positive and differential diagnosis problems.

Leiomyoma of the ovary presenting with Meigs' syndrome

Ovarian leiomyoma is a rare tumor. Ovarian leiomyoma accompanied with Meigs' syndrome is extremely rare. We report a case of ovarian leiomyoma presenting with Meigs' syndrome, which was first noted as dyspnea in a 79-year-old woman. A whole-body examination revealed a solid mass of the ovary, accumulation of ascites and pleural effusion, and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 125. Abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy were carried out. After the surgery, ascites and pleural effusion disappeared. The pathological diagnosis of the removed tumor was leiomyoma of the left ovary. The patient has been healthy for 24 months after the surgery, with no signs of recurrence. We also review the literature on this disease and the clinicopathologic characteristics of the current case are discussed.

Meigs' syndrome in a young woman with a normal serum CA-125 level

We report on a 27-year-old woman who presented with an ovarian solid tumor (20 x 15 cm) and massive ascites. A physical examination and chest X-ray revealed a moderate amount of pleural effusion on the right side. Cytologic study of the pleural effusion showed reactive mesothelial cells without evidence of malignancy. Gram's stain was negative. The blood chemistry was within normal limits. The serum CA-125 level was 22 (normal, < 35) U/ml, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 8 (normal, < 20) ng/ml, and the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was 0.5 (normal, < 5) ng/ml. An explorative laparotomy revealed approximately 1500 ml of serous ascites and a very large multilobulated left adnexal mass (20 x 15 cm) with no malignant cytology in the ascitic fluid. Postoperatively, the pleural effusion spontaneously resolved, and the microscopic examination revealed a benign fibroma-thecoma, confirming the diagnosis of Meigs' syndrome. The symptoms resolved after removal of this pelvic tumor. This is an unusual case of a young female with Meigs' syndrome and a normal serum CA-125 level.

Ovarian dysgerminoma associated with Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome and functioning ovarian stroma: a case report

BACKGROUND

We present the first case of an ovarian dysgerminoma complicated by pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. Furthermore, this is the fourth reported case of ovarian dysgerminoma with functioning ovarian stroma resulting elevated androgen levels preoperatively.

CASE

A 25-year-old white female was referred to our department for abdominal swelling and a rapidly enlarging abdominal mass. Chest X-ray showed massive right pleural effusion. Abdominopelvic CT scan showed a left adnexal solid mass and ascites. Preoperative abnormally elevated hormone levels were as follows: free testosterone 7.7 pg/mL, androstenodione 13.6 ng/mL, and cortisol 29.4 microg/dL. Left salpingo-oophorectomy and wedge resection of the right ovary were performed. Final histopathological investigation of the left ovary was dysgerminoma associated with stromal luteinization.

CONCLUSION

Dysgerminoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a young patient with a pelvic mass, ascites, and pleural effusion and preoperative counseling should be directed accordingly. In addition, dysgerminomas may be accompanied by ovarian stromal luteinization and steroid hormone production, which occasionally result in chemical or clinical hyperandrogenism.

Meigs' syndrome with highly elevated ca. 125 levels in a patient with Takayasu arteritis: a case report

A 56-year-old post-menopausal woman presented with abdominal swelling and shortness of breath. An evaluation of abdomen and pelvis showed ascites and a solid mass. Serum CA-125 level was elevated (509 IU/ml). A computerized tomography-angiography was performed since the pulses of upper extremities could not be palpated. The patient was diagnosed to be suffering from Takayasu arteritis. The exploratory laparotomy revealed a fibroma of the ovary.

Pseudo-Meigs syndrome and elevated CA125 associated with struma ovarii

BACKGROUND

Struma ovarii is a rare form of ovarian neoplasm composed entirely and predominantly of thyroid tissue. The association of pseudo-Meigs syndrome, elevation of CA125 and hyperthyroidism to struma ovarii is a rare condition.

CASE

We report an unusual presentation of a postmenopausal woman with benign struma ovarii associated with pseudo-Meigs syndrome, hypertiroidism, and elevated CA125 serum level, and a large complex right pelvic mass thereby mimicking an ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Struma ovarii is a rare cause of ascites, hydrothorax, elevated CA125, and hyperthyroidism. This rare condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with ascites and pleural effusions but with negative cytology.

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary associated with Meigs' syndrome: a case report

Sclerosing stromal tumors of the ovary are distinct, but rare benign neoplasms. These tumors appear solid and are very vascular giving the impression of malignant tumors. They occur mostly in young women. Morphologically they have distinct characteristics which differentiate them from other stromal tumors. Benign ovarian tumors associated with Meigs' syndrome are rare. In this article a case of ovarian sclerosing stromal tumor associated with Meigs' syndrome in a 17-year-old women is described and the differential diagnosis is also discussed.

[Meigs' syndrome. One case]

Meigs' syndrome is a benign tumor of the ovary with recurrent serous effusion which can resorb however after surgery. It is rarely seen. Its physiopathology remains obscure. Presently, our concern is a 34-year-old woman, admitted in an abdominal tension board, seriously affected by dyspnoea and whose state revealed a malignant process. The pelvic abdominal echography and the thoracic radiography have played a prominent role in the diagnostic approach. Ablating the ovarian tumor leads to a quick recovery. The histological nature of this tumor reveals a huge mucinous cystadenoma.

Cystic struma ovarii presenting with ascites and an elevated CA-125 level. A case report

BACKGROUND

Struma ovarii is a monodermal teratoma that usually presents as a solid pelvic mass. Occasionally the lesions are cystic. Rare cases present with ascites or pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. The association of a cystic struma ovarii with ascites and an elevated CA-125 level is exceptionally rare.

CASE

A 51-year-old woman presented with ascites and a cystic pelvic mass. There was marked elevation of her CA-125 level. The clinical impression was ovarian carcinoma. Frozen section revealed a multicystic struma ovarii.

CONCLUSION

Struma ovarii can mimic ovarian carcinoma clinically, particularly if cystic and associated with ascites and an elevated CA-125 level.

Pedunculated uterine leiomyoma associated with pseudo-Meigs' syndrome and elevated CA-125 level: CT features

A 38-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of low back pain, distension, weakness, and loss of appetite. Laboratory studies showed a serum CA-125 level of 281 U/ml (normal value 1.2-32 U/ml). Abdominopelvic sonography revealed massive ascites, left pleural effusion, and a heterogeneous, hypoechogenic, and smoothly outlined solid mass. The mass had a close proximity and to the anterior side of the right ovary. Doppler sonography showed that the mass was hypervascularized. Computed tomography demonstrated numerous, tortuous vascular structures around the mass and along the omentum indicating its auxiliary vascularization from the omentum. Exploratory laparotomy and histopathological examination revealed pedunculated leiomyoma with parasitized blood supply from the omentum. Ascites and pleural effusion disappeared 6 months after surgery. We present the clinical and CT features of a parasitic leiomyoma adhering to the omentum.

Pseudo-meigs syndrome: uterine leiomyoma with bladder attachment associated with ascites and hydrothorax - a rare case of a rare syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is a rare syndrome with pelvic tumors (not ovarian fibromas), which is combined with ascites and hydrothorax. Up to now 23 cases of pseudo-Meigs syndrome associated with uterine leiomyomas are described. We present a further case of a young woman with pseudo-Meigs syndrome combined with bladder attachment and elevated CA-125.

CASE REPORT

A 27- year-old woman complained about increasing abdominal volume for about 2 months. Clinical results showed a normal sized uterus with a pedunculated leiomyoma, ascites, and a small pleural effusion. CA-125 levels were approximately more than 50 times higher than normal range. An explorative laparotomy revealed a leiomyoma and ascites. The myoma was attached to the posterior wall of the bladder; the rest of the uterus and both adnexae were normal. An organ-preserving operation was performed. Three months afterwards the patient presented normal clinical and sonographical findings and normal CA-125 serum levels.

DISCUSSION

Uterine leiomyoma is only rarely associated with ascites and hydrothorax. Our case is the 24th in literature. Like other authors we could show elevated CA-125 serum levels. Cases of pseudo-Meigs syndrome with penduculated myomas and tight adhesions of neighbouring structures have been described frequently. In our case the bladder was tightly attached, and the vascularisation seemed to come from the uterus and the bladder. This atypical double supply might be in etiological context with the ascites. Pseudo- Meigs syndrome should be considered as a rare differential diagnosis for ascites and pleural effusions.

[An atypical Demons-Meigs syndrome]

Meigs'syndrome is defined as a hydrothorax with ascites and benign ovarian tumor, both of which resolve on removal of the tumor. Pseudo-Meigs'syndrome or atypical Meigs'syndrome occurs when a pelvic mass other than an ovarian fibroma is present with hydrothorax and ascites. Both these syndromes should be nevertheless considered in women who present hydrothorax and ascites. This case concerns a 50-year-old woman who presented a pseudo-Meigs'syndrome (Hydrothorax and uterine leiomyoma). The distinction between these two syndrome is useless, because tumour removal is the only treatment.

[Demons-Meigs syndrome: apropos of 1 case]

A 33-year-old patient presented with ascites and a right abdominal mass. Ultrasound and scannography showed it was probably a solid ovarian tumor measuring 175 mm x 115 mm. Serum Ca 125 was 752 UI/mL and ACE was normal. Surgical exploration revealed 3.2 liters ascites without any suspect peritoneal implant and a bulky ovarian fibrothecoma. The patient recovered quickly and serum Ca 125 was 43 UI/mL one month post-operatively. In this case report of Meigs' syndrome serum CA 125 level was particularly high. Preoperative diagnostic difficulties are discussed.