Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome associated with breast cancer metastasis to both ovaries: Report of a case

Surg Today. 2010 Dec;40(12):1148-51. doi: 10.1007/s00595-009-4187-2. Epub 2010 Nov 26.

Abstract

A 50-year-old woman was admitted because of abdominal fullness due to bilateral ovarian tumors, pleural effusion, and ascites associated with breast cancer. Although chemotherapy and the removal of ascites were performed periodically, the ascites did not disappear. The cytology of the ascites did not indicate malignancy. Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by metastasis to both ovarian tumors was suspected. The patient underwent a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and the pathological diagnosis was bilateral metastatic ovarian tumors from breast cancer. The ascites and pleural effusion resolved after the surgery, with the consequent improvement of the patient's quality of life; however, she unfortunately died 4 months later due to hepatic failure caused by multiple metastases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meigs Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Meigs Syndrome / etiology*
  • Meigs Syndrome / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Quality of Life