Meigs' syndrome in a young woman with a normal serum CA-125 level

Abstract

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.