Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Lupus Nephritis Presented With Recurrent Massive Ascites: A Case of Pseudo-Pseudo Meigs Syndrome

Case report: Three cases of systemic lupus erythematosus presenting primarily with massive ascites and significantly elevated CA-125 levels and a review of pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome in literature

This article presents three detailed case reports and a brief review of the literature on a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) known as Pseudo-Pseudo Meigs' Syndrome (PPMS). The patients' condition was characterized by elevated CA-125 levels, massive ascites andpleural effusion which is typically associated with ovarian malignancies but can also present in various non-malignant conditions, including SLE. A thorough literature review was conducted, summarizing similar cases and their clinical outcomes to provide a broader understanding of this uncommon syndrome. The findings emphasize the need for heightened awareness and consideration of pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome in patients with SLE presenting with unexplained ascites and pleural effusion.

Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with progressive massive ascites and CA-125 elevation indicating Tjalma syndrome? A case report

BACKGROUND

Ascites, pleural effusion and raised CA-125 in the absence of malignancy in systemic lupus erythematosus is known as Tjalma syndrome.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a special case of a systemic lupus erythematosus patient presenting with Tjalma syndrome. She presented with ascites and elevated CA-125 in the absence of benign or malignant ovarian tumor and no pleural effusions, which is an unusual presentation for this rare condition.

CONCLUSION

Tjalma syndrome can present with massive ascites alone without pleural or pericardial effusions.

Rare cause of ascites and pleural effusion: The first case report and literature review of pseudo-pseudo Meig's syndrome in Taiwan

Pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome (PPMS) exhibits patients with ascites, pleural effusion, elevated CA-125, and diagnosed of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) eventually without evidence of ovarian or pelvic tumor. It's a rare diagnosis but it has a good response to treatment. We here present an 82-year-old female, who was found to have ascites, pleural effusion, and elevated CA-125. CT of abdomen revealed absence of pelvic tumor. However, a rapid decline in renal function and progressive proteinuria were also observed. We performed an autoimmune-associated investigation. A diagnosis of late-onset SLE was made due to meeting the criteria of serositis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal disease, and positive anti-smith antibody. We gave this patient a regimen with steroids and hydroxychloroquine. Both ascites and pleural effusion resolved in one month. PPMS is an important differential diagnosis in female patients with ascites, pleural effusion, and elevated CA-125. A survey of the pelvic tumor should be done first to exclude Meigs' syndrome or pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. SLE flare-up should be kept in mind even in the elderly.

Pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome (PPMS) in chronic lupus peritonitis: a case report with review of literature

Gastrointestinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) usually occurs in the form of mesenteric vasculitis, protein-losing enteropathy, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and pancreatitis. We describe a 23-year-old female, a known case of SLE presented with significant ascites and pleural effusion. Further evaluation showed elevated CA-125 levels without evidence of malignancy. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, and azathioprine resulting in the resolution of ascites in 2 weeks. The triad of ascites, pleural effusion, and increased CA-125 is known as pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome, which is rarely reported in the literature. Clinicians should be aware of this entity while evaluating an SLE patient with low serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) ascites.

Is there any relationship between massive ascites and elevated CA-125 in systemic lupus erythematosus? Case report and review of the literature

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multisystemic autoimmune disease of variable presentation. Massive ascites in the context of SLE is infrequent. Even so, it has been reported that ascites may be the first manifestation of SLE. It is difficult to diagnose due to the multiple possible aetiological causes of ascites. There is a rare entity called Pseudo-Pseudo Meigs Syndrome (PPMS) in patients with SLE who have ascites, pleural effusion, and CA-125 elevation unrelated to malignancy. We present two cases of massive ascites, pleural effusion and elevation of CA-125 with a history of SLE diagnosis. One of these cases was diagnosed with PPMS and another associated with neoplasm of ovarian origin.