Background: Inflammatory cytokines are known to induce capillary leakage and third-space fluid accumulation in numerous gynecologic and nongynecologic disorders. This study aimed to assess their role in Meigs' syndrome.
Case: Evaluation of serum, peritoneal, and pleural fluids retrieved from a patient suffering from Meigs' syndrome revealed high interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels. After surgical removal of the ovarian tumor and with resolution of ascites and hydrothorax, serum levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 declined, whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels remained high.
Conclusion: The correlation between these inflammatory cytokines and the clinical course of Meigs' syndrome suggests their involvement in the formation of ascites and hydrothorax in this disorder.