Pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome in mucinous ovarian carcinoma: A case report

Introduction

Pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome is a rare condition described as the presentation of a pleural effusion and ascites in the setting of a malignant pelvic mass that is not included in the definition of Meigs’ syndrome, and which resolves with resection of the mass.

Case presentation

We report a 37-year-old patient with a twenty-centimeter pelvic mass assumed to be at least a stage IVA ovarian carcinoma due to the presence of a pleural effusion and ascites. She underwent exploratory laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with a final pathology of a stage IA mucinous cancer of the ovary. Her pleural effusion and ascites resolved within weeks after operative management. She did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy, and she remains without evidence of disease for over a year.

Discussion

This case demonstrates the diagnostic complexity of advanced ovarian carcinomas which may have diverse initial presentations. Patients who present with signs of advanced ovarian cancer, such as pleural effusion, may even undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgical debulking. Our case emphasizes the importance of tissue diagnosis prior to treatment decisions.