Deciphering the puzzle: a case report of Tjalma syndrome (pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome) with profoundly elevated CA-125 and pleural effusion

Elevated CA-125 levels, polyserous effusions (such as pleural effusion, ascites, etc.) in young women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may signal pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome (PPMS), after excluding other causes. We describe a 32-year-old SLE patient with recurrent bilateral pleural effusions and unexplained hypercalcemia for 10 months. Extensive evaluations revealed no infections or tumors. Cytokine analysis showed elevated interleukin (IL) levels, especially IL-6 in pleural effusion. Treatment with immunosuppressive therapy resulted in reduced cancer antigen (CA) 125 levels and decreased effusion volume, demonstrating a positive response to intervention in this case of PPMS.

A challenging case of pseudo Meigs syndrome: A case report

Meigs Syndrome is a rare condition characterised by Ovarian fibroma, ascites and pleural effusion. Pseudo Meigs is called so because it mimics Meigs but occurs with tumours other than fibromas. The objective of this case report is to shed light on the diverse presentations of Ovarian carcinomas. We herein report a rare case of Pseudo Meigs syndrome in a 32-year-old female patient parity one and no miscarriage and who had right-sided ovarian mass, gross ascites and right-sided pleural effusion with cancer antigen 125 value of 518.5 IU/L. Clinical Diagnosis was that of Meigs Syndrome. The patient underwent laparotomy for surgical staging and large right-sided ovarian mass with draining of nine litres of ascitic fluid and total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The histopathology report showed that it was Endometroid Adenocarcinoma FIGO Grade 3. Definitive diagnosis was that of Pseudo Meigs Syndrome. The case was a diagnostic challenge and difficult to manage. The diverse presentation of ovarian carcinomas makes them difficult to diagnose and clinicians should have a high index of suspicion while managing such cases.

Meigs syndrome

BACKGROUND

Meigs syndrome is defined by the presence of a benign ovarian tumor, ascites, and pleural effusion (predominantly on the right side). A characteristic sign of Meigs syndrome is the complete disappearance of exudate after surgical resection of the ovarian tumor.

CASE REPORT

We present a case report of a 58-year-old patient admitted for an advanced ovarian tumor with pleural effusion, ascites, and tumor marker elevation typical for ovarian cancer. Cytological examination of ascites and pleural effusion was repeatedly negative for malignancy. Histopathological examination of the bio-psied tissue was concluded as low-grade mesenchymal neoplasia. The second opinion of histopathological examination was concluded as low grade fibroblastic pelvic tumor without the possibility of exact specification. Dia-gnoses of desmoid fibromatosis and low-grade fibromyxiod sarcoma (less likely) were considered. Surgical resection was indicated, and a large tumor with numerous adhesions to the uterus, bladder, and thin loops with a noticeably thickened peritoneum were perioperatively described. Histologically, left ovarian fibroma with productive peritonitis and sanguine-induced ascites was dia-gnosed. Due to the clinical findings and the result of the histopathological examination, the case was classified as Meigs syndrome. Two months after the surgery, the ascites and pleural effusion disappeared, and the tumor marker levels normalized.

CONCLUSION

The present case report documents that it is always necessary to consider diseases other than those most likely at the outset, as the treatment algorithm and prognosis of these rare diseases may differ significantly.

Giant Ovarian Thecoma Associated with Meigs Syndrome: A Striking Case

Introduction: Meigs syndrome consists of the presence of a benign ovarian tumor, ascites and pleural effusion, and the latter two subdued after surgical excision of the ovarian tumor. Elevated Ca-125 in this context is confusing and is reported only in a handful of cases. A rare but striking case with the above features is presented herein. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old woman with a giant pelvic/abdominal mass originating from her right adnexa, ascites and pleural effusion, with elevated Ca-125 (938 IU/mL) was treated with the presumptive diagnosis of stage IV ovarian cancer. Imaging modalities showed a 22 cm solid adnexal mass and the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpigooophorectomy, omentectomy and drainage of 4L of ascetic fluid. Surprisingly, final histopathology was negative for malignancy, characterizing the primary tumor as ovarian thecoma. Ascites and pleural effusion resolved by the seventh postoperative day, setting the diagnosis of Meigs syndrome. Discussion: Meigs syndrome accounts for 1% of all ovarian tumors, however it should be considered in the differential diagnosis when clinicians come across the classic triad of the syndrome, even when Ca-125 is elevated. These patients have normal life expectancy with meticulous management, while pathophysiology of this condition remains uncertain in various points.

Ovarian dysgerminoma with pseudo-Meigs syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Dysgerminoma is a rare malignant tumor of the ovary, more frequently occurring in young women. The main signs of pseudo-Meigs syndrome (PMS) are ascites and hydrothorax accompanying benign or malignant ovarian tumors (no fibroma or fibroma-like tumor).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 19-year-old woman with fever and chest tightness for 2 days.

DIAGNOSES

Pectoral-abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large amount of right pleural effusion, a small amount of ascites, and a huge abdominopelvic mass measuring about 29.2cm × 11.8cm × 8.4 cm in the left ovary. The result of hydrothorax examination was consistent with the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion. In addition, Rivalta-test showed a positive result and lactate dehydrogenase was elevated. The histopathological diagnosis was a giant germ cell tumor, which was consistent with dysgerminoma in terms of both morphology and immunophenotype. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of malignant ovarian neoplasm with PMS was made.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical resection of the tumor was performed.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after operation, and the pleural effusion and abdominal ascites vanished. No recurrence was observed during the 1-year follow-up period.

LESSONS

Ovarian dysgerminoma with PMS is a rare malignant tumor of the ovary, which often occurs in young women. It should be considered in differential diagnosis of patients with a pelvic mass, ascites and pleural effusion. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are beneficial to prolonged survival.

Massive Ascites of Unknown Origin: A Case Report

Ascites is the excessive accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity and predominantly caused by liver cirrhosis, cancers, or heart failure. In this study, a 31-year-old woman with chronic renal failure of unknown etiology treated with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis was often hospitalized because of ascites, which appeared 4 years after the second kidney transplantation. The patient was regularly (every 2-3 weeks) treated with paracentesis. Peritoneal fluid tested negative for bacterial (including atypical) and fungal infections and tuberculosis. Doppler ultrasound and liver FibroScan did not show any irregularities. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an enlarged left ovary. A high level of CA 125 was found. The second diagnostic laparoscopy revealed no changes in the ovaries, and there were no tumor cells. Diagnostics were extended, but no deviations were revealed. Suspecting drug etiology, mycophenolic acid was discontinued, bringing no improvement. Diagnostic tests caused suspicion of Meigs' syndrome; therefore, oophorectomy of left ovary was conducted, revealing numerous small cysts filled with serous fluid, without tumor cells in the ovary or peritoneal fluid. Despite the procedure performed, ascites was recurrent. Five month later, ascites spontaneously stopped growing. Paracentesis to decompress ascites was no longer required. There were 9 paracenteses performed from oophorectomy (the latest on May 23, 2019). The need for repetitive paracentesis, significantly reducing the patient's quality of life, required diagnosis for casuistic diseases. The described case is atypical because of the confusing etiology of ascites and its spontaneous cessation. Despite numerous examinations and recession of ascites, the cause of the problem is not entirely clear.

A case report of pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome

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A case of a 20-kg fibrothecoma

A case report of a 50-cm diameter and 20-kg mass of benign ovarian tumor. Total abdominal hysterectomy with a bilateral salpingooophorectomy was performed with full patient recovery. Fibrothecomas can remain long asymptomatic and can grow to giant sizes.

Pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome secondary to metachronous ovarian metastases from transverse colon cancer

Pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome associated with colorectal cancer is extremely rare. We report here a case of pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome secondary to metachronous ovarian metastases from colon cancer. A 65-year-old female with a history of surgery for transverse colon cancer and peritoneal dissemination suffered from metachronous ovarian metastases during treatment with systemic chemotherapy. At first, neither ascites nor pleural effusion was observed, but she later complained of progressive abdominal distention and dyspnea caused by rapidly increasing ascites and pleural effusion and rapidly enlarging ovarian metastases. Abdominocenteses were repeated, and cytological examinations of the fluids were all negative for malignant cells. We suspected pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome, and bilateral oophorectomies were performed after thorough informed consent. The patient’s postoperative condition improved rapidly after surgery. We conclude that pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis of massive or rapidly increasing ascites and pleural effusion associated with large or rapidly enlarging ovarian tumors.

[Meigs' syndrome caused by bilateral ovarian fibroma mimicking ovarian cancer]

We report the case of a 55-year-old patient who pre- sented a pelvic mass, ascites and elevated serum CA125. Suspecting a malignant process she underwent surgery and a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpigo-oforectomy was performed. Pathologic report revealed a bilateral ovarian fibroma and non-tumoral ascites. The presence of elevated serum CA125 levels in a postmenopausal woman with a pelvic mass and ascites suggest an ovarian malignant disease. However, in case of Meigs'syndrome, all symptoms will diappear after removal of the pelvic tumor, so a fast surgical management of the patients is mandatory.

[Ascites, pleural effusion and a benign ovarian tumour; the triad of Meigs' syndrome]

BACKGROUND

Classical Meigs' syndrome consists of the triad of an ovarian fibroma, ascites and pleural effusion. A characteristic of the syndrome is that the excess fluid is resorbed after surgical resection of the tumour.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 49-year-old woman was admitted to accident and emergency department in a neglected, cachectic and hypothermic condition. A CT scan revealed an ovarian tumour, ascites and a right-sided pleural effusion. The level of the tumour marker CA-125 was also greatly elevated. Our initial working diagnosis was, therefore, 'high-grade ovarian carcinoma', but on repeated testing no malignant cells were found in the aspirated fluid. We suspected Meigs' syndrome. We first ensured that her general and nutritional condition improved; then she underwent a bilateral adnexectomy. A fibrothecoma was found in each ovary. The ascites and pleural effusion resolved following surgery and the patient recovered well.

CONCLUSION

The clinical picture of Meigs' syndrome can resemble that of high-grade ovarian carcinoma. This syndrome should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients with an ovarian tumour, ascites and, possibly, pleural effusion.

[A Case of Pseudo-Meigs Syndrome Associated with Metachronous Ovarian Metastasis from Ascending Colon Cancer]

We experienced a case of pseudo-Meigs syndrome associated with metachronous metastasis to the ovary from ascending colon cancer. A 65-year-old woman underwent curative surgery for ascending colon cancer at another hospital. A follow-up CT carried out 3 months after the surgery revealed a right ovarian tumor and a large amount of ascites. The patient was diagnosed with ovarian metastasis from ascending colon cancer with carcinomatous peritonitis. Palliative care was recommended, and she presented at our department for a second opinion. In spite of a large amount of ascites and pleural effusion, no disseminating tumor was detected on contrast-enhanced CT at our hospital, and we recommended that she undergo a diagnostic laparotomy. The laparotomy was negative for carcinomatous peritonitis and a right oophorectomy was performed. The histopathological findings indicated that the ovarian tumor was consistent with metastasis from ascending colon cancer. After the surgery, we initiated chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6+bevacizumab and the symptoms were well controlled. A follow-up CT carried out 11 months after the surgery revealed a left ovarian tumor and increased ascites, and the patient underwent a left oophorectomy. Then, chemotherapy with the same regimen was administered for 12 months, and she did not develop any signs of recurrence for 27 months after the surgery. Ovarian metastasis from colon cancer may occasionally cause pseudo-Meigs syndrome, and it is important to be aware of the usefulness of oophorectomy for the control of ascites and pleural effusion.

METASTATIC RADIOIODINE AVID STRUMA OVARII ASSOCIATED WITH PSEUDO-MEIGS' SYNDROME

We report a case of 21 years old lady who presented with ascites, left adnexal mass and elevated CA-125. With suspicion of ovarian malignancy, she underwent left salpingo-oophorectomy with omental biopsy. Histopathology revealed: 'follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma arising in struma ovarii' with metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma in omental and peritoneal nodules. Patient underwent total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine therapy for metastatic omental and peritoneal disease. Post-therapy whole body scan, revealed extensive I-131 avid disease metastatic disease involving the chest, abdomen, pelvis and the musculoskeletal system. Patient was treated with multiple doses of high dose radioactive iodine. She became symptom free on supra-physiologic doses of oral thyroxin however her high thyroglobulin levels and residual radioiodine avid metastatic disease required further treatment. In literature a few cases of struma ovarii have been reported with elevated CA-125 and associated pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. The treatment for this rare disease is still not standardized and poses a therapeutic challenge. Our case emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach for managing struma ovarii.

Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by a Krukenberg tumour of gastric cancer

A 50-year-old woman who presented with a one-month history of abdominal fullness and dyspnoea was admitted to our hospital. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed the scirrhous-type gastric cancer on the greater curvature of the gastric body. Computed tomography revealed bilateral large ovarian tumours with massive right pleural effusion and ascites. A repeated cytological examination of pleural effusion and ascites revealed no malignant cells. The definitive diagnosis of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome was made by confirming the fact that pleural effusion and ascites disappeared after bilateral oophorectomy. Resection of ovarian tumours may also lead to long-term survival, even in the patients with pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by gastric cancer.

[BENIGN OVARIAN PATHOLOGY FINDINGS IN PRE-OPERATIVE AND INTRA-OPERATIVE SIGNS SUGGESTIVE OF MALIGNANCY--CASE SERIES]

Case 1--22 year old patient with dense permagnum adult teratoma, ascites, ipsilateral hydro-ureter and hydro-nephrosis, elevated C -125 level a pseudo- military peritoneal spread. Case 2--19 -year old patient with endometrial kystoma, originating at the uterine fundus with with elevated C-125 levels. Case 3--22 year old patient with monstrous tecoma permagnum, ascites and concomitant pleural effusions as in Meigs syndrome. Case 4--66 year old patient, multiparous with granular cell tumor, recurrent uterine bleeds and endometrial poliposis, with ambiguous C-125 level and congenital uterus bicornis bicolis anomaly. Cases are presented in chronological order, with detailed description and accompanying abundant photo images.

Anesthetic considerations in Demons-Meigs' syndrome: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Demons-Meigs' syndrome is characterized by the presence of a benign ovarian tumor associated with ascites and a right-sided hydrothorax. Its pathophysiology remains unclear. Anesthesia of this syndrome is a real challenge. Respiratory, hemodynamic, metabolic problems and abdominal hypertension are the main anesthetic risks.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 52-year-old African woman with Demons-Meigs' syndrome was admitted for elective surgery under general anesthesia. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed a tumor mass, with tissue and cystic components associated with abundant ascites and a right pleural effusion of medium abundance. In the operating room after standard monitoring, a crash induction was performed. Just after, her saturation level decreased requiring the use of an alveolar recruitment maneuver followed by the application of positive end-expiratory pressure. Vasoconstrictor and vascular filling were used to correct the hypotension that occurred. Airway pressures remained at 35 cm H2O. Maintenance of a slightly proclive position and opening of the abdomen with the progressive removal of 3200 ml ascitic fluid allowed a lower thoracic pressure (airway pressures=24 cm H2O). Her postoperative course was unremarkable. Clinical evolution after five months was marked by a complete recovery of our patient and no recurrence of effusion or ascites.

CONCLUSIONS

Demons-Meigs' syndrome is a benign disease with a good prognosis. Respiratory and hemodynamic problems and abdominal hypertension are the main anesthetic risks of this syndrome. Good management of these risks is necessary to preserve the prognosis.

[Demons-Meigs syndrome: information on a new case and review of the literature]

Demons-Meigs syndrome is a benign tumor of the ovary. It is very rare and its physiopathology remains obscure. We report a case of Demons-Meigs syndrome in a woman aged 51 years. It was discovered following a right pleural effusion syndrome with ascites and an abdominopelvic mass. Rate of serum CA 125 was 412IU/mL. Surgical exploration revealed ascites of one litre with no suspicious peritoneal lesion and an ovarian fibrothecoma of 70 mm. There were no post-operative complications and three months later, the level of CA 125 was negative with a total drainage of effusions.

[Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by ovarium metastasis from colorectal cancer]

Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer is extremely rare. The clinical symptoms of pleural effusion and ascites that are characteristics of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome are quite similar to those of terminal-stage colon cancer. Therefore, recognizing the clinical characteristics of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome is important. We investigated the prognosis and clinicopathological factors including age, location of the primary cancer, histology, wall depth, curative degree, synchronous/metachronous, unilateral/bilateral, lymph node metastasis, peritoneal dissemination, serum CEA level, venous invasion, and lymphatic invasion, in 5 cases of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome (PM group) and compared these findings with those of 10 cases with ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer (control group) without pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. No significant differences were found between the PM group and the control group. The three-year survival rate was 37.5% in the PM group and 10% in the control group (logrank test, p=0.19). In the present study, no significant differences in any of the clinicopathological factors examined in this study were seen between the PM and control groups. However, we found that the surgical resection of ovarian metastasis in patients with pseudo-Meigs' syndrome improved the prognosis, similar to the situation for ovarian metastasis from colorectal cancer.

[Pseudo-Meig's syndrome: a rare complication to uterine fibroma]

Pseudo-Meigs syndrome is a rare condition where a benign and non-ovarian pelvic tumour, pleural effusion and ascites are coexisting, and where removal of the tumour cures the patient. We present a patient with pseudo-Meigs syndrome originating from a leiomyoma of the uterus associated with elevated cancer antigen 125 and inflammatory parameters. Our patient also had pericardial effusion, which has only been reported once before in the literature. All her symptoms disappeared when the uterine fibroma was removed. Pseudo-Meig's syndrome has to be kept in mind in these patients.

[A case of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by metastatic ovarian tumors from gastric cancer]

A 54-year-old woman brought by ambulance had a lower abdominal mass and cough. Bilateral pleural effusion was revealed by X-ray and CT. An abdominal CT and MRI disclosed bilateral ovarian tumors which were considered to be metastatic tumors. GI endoscopy disclosed IIc-like advanced gastric cancer on the posterior wall of the stomach. Distal gastrectomy, total hysterectomy and bilateral adnexectomy were carried out. Gastric cancer was pathologically diagnosed as signet-ring cell carcinoma. Ovarian tumors had a similar histology, which suggested metastasis from gastric cancer. Since bilateral pleural effusion completely vanished after the ovarian resection, we concluded that this case coincided with pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome of metastatic ovarian tumor from gastric cancer is very rare, only 3 cases having been reported in Japan.

Meigs' syndrome presenting as haemorrhagic pleural effusion

BACKGROUND

The association of a benign ovarian tumor with ascites and hydrothorax that resolve after tumor resection, known as Meigs syndrome is a rare clinical entity. Rarer still is the haemorrhagic form of the syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of benign ovarian tumour associated with ascites and bloody pleural effusion.

METHODS

A thirty-seven year old woman was referred for the further management of a pleural effusion. A detailed clinical evaluation was carried out, including pleural fluid cytology, chest CT scan and laparatomy. Treatment included antituberculous therapy and finally ovariectomy.

RESULTS

The physical examination and a pelvic ultrasonographic scan revealed ascites in addition to a right sided ovarian mass. A chest CT-scan did not show any intrathoracic mass. Repeated pleural fluid cytology showed mesothelial cells but was negative for malignancy. An ovariectomy was performed and histological examination revealed a thecoma fibroma. The pleural effusion and ascites resolved spontaneously thus confirming the diagnosis of Meigs' syndrome.

CONCLUSION

Meigs' syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis in female patients with hemorrhagic pleural effusion.

[Pseudomeigs syndrome in a patient with Krukenberg's tumor]

We report the case of a fiftyone-year-old woman with a past medical history of Linfoma no Hodking and a gastric adenocarcinoma with signet ring cells. She came to our institution with a twenty month history of dysnea secondary to pleural effussion, bilateral lower extremity edema and probably had ascitis. On CT and US two bilateral pelvic masses were found and biopsied. The anatomopathological analysis showed bilateral ovarian implants from signet ring cell adenocarcinoma (Krukenberg tumor). This patient developed a PseudoMeigs syndrome consisting on malignant ovarian tumor asociated with ascitis and pleural effusion without malignant cells. Oncological patients who present with ascitis and benign pleural effusion, the diagnosis of PseudoMeigs syndrome should be considered.

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.