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Case Reports
. 2023 Nov 7;86(1):467-471.
doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001462. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Mixed connective tissue and ovarian cancer: a case report

Maysoun Kudsi  1 , Naram Khalayli  1 , Leen Hola  1 , Maria Aldeeb  1 , Aghiad Aziz  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Mixed connective tissue and ovarian cancer: a case report

Maysoun Kudsi et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). .

Abstract

Background: Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is characterized by high titres of distinct antibodies: U1 ribonucleoprotein with variable clinical features seen in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. Limited case reports revealed the association between MCTD and cancer, like lymphoma, lung cancers, and others.

Case presentation: A 22-year-old female presented with enlargement of the abdomen and oedema of the lower extremities, gradually started 25 days The patient had been diagnosed to have rheumatoid arthritis. She was treated with 7.5 mg/week MTX for 6 months. Physical examination revealed: pallor, lower limb oedema, with synovitis and deformities of hands. The laboratory tests showed anaemia, elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase ESR, positivity of antinuclear antibody, anti-ds DNA, and antinuclear ribonucleoprotein. Urinary protein excretion was 1625 mg/24 h. Chest X-ray showed bilateral pleural effusion. Echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion Thoracic-abdominal and pelvic tomography showed a heterogeneous mass with a diameter of 5 × 6 cm at the expense of the right ovary. The mass was removed surgically, and a biopsy was taken, and was compatible with ovarian high-grade serous adenocarcinoma. A course of solumedrol 1 g/IV/3 days was applied, and then continue with 60 mg/day oral predlone. Later on discharge, she was taken 25 mg/day predlone, and methotrexate 10 mg.

Conclusions: Our case showed that the patient had no risk factors for developing ovary cancer. On the contrary, our patient was a young, non-smoker, without any previous treatment before the RA diagnosis was taken, and finally, she had 3 children with full-term pregnancy, and well health. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for malignancy in MCTD patients. However, further investigation on the role of the immune system in the development of ovarian cancer in women with autoimmune diseases including MCTD remains necessary.

Keywords: MCTD; arthritis; lupus erythematous; mixed connective tissue disease; ovarian neoplasms; systemic.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Rheumatologic examination in hands.
Image 1
Image 1
Electrocardiogram (EKG).
Image 2
Image 2
Chest X-ray.
Image 3
Image 3
X-ray of hands.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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