Hydrothorax After Cytoreductive Laparotomy of an Ovarian Tumor is a Feature of Pseudo-Meigs Syndrome: Case Report

Abstract

Respiratory rehabilitation is requested for a 57-year-old female due to dyspnea and nonproductive cough after two days of a cytoreductive laparotomy due to a giant ovarian tumor (mucinous cystadenocarcinoma). The examination revealed semiology of massive right hemithorax pulmonary effusion and globular abdomen with displaceable dullness compatible with ascites. Preoperative radiography was normal, yet the current radiograph showed complete opacity of the right hemithorax with deviation of the trachea to the right, compatible with complete atelectasis of the lung and massive pleural effusion (hydrothorax). The diagnosis of hydrothorax in the context of this patient was related to the presentation of Pseudo-Meigs syndrome (ovarian adenocarcinoma + ascites + pleural effusion). Respiratory physiotherapy, electrolyte control, and diuretics were prescribed, which partially improved the hydrothorax after one week of evolution. The case was reviewed for sudden, delayed, and infrequent debut of the massive pleural effusion, and the physiopathology and management of hydrothorax was reviewed.