Amylase-producing ovarian neoplasm with pseudo-Meigs' syndrome and elevated pleural fluid amylase: case report and ultrastructure

Abstract

Elevated amylase activity was noted in the pleural effusion of a patient who was later found to have a stage I low-grade serous papillary ovarian neoplasm. The effusion resolved spontaneously after resection of the ovarian tumor, which contained large amounts of amylase activity. The ultrastructure of the tumor epithelium resembled that of normal salpinx. Secretory-type cells were present with apical, variably electron-dense secretory granules and cytoplasmic glycogen deposits. Amylase activity in the ovarian neoplasm probably resulted from the presence of functioning endosalpingeal-type epithelium in the tumor. In cases of effusion with unexplained amylase elevations, the possibility of serous ovarian neoplasia should be considered, even in the absence of demonstrable extra-ovarian dissemination.