Pseudo-Meigsʼs Syndrome

Pseudo-Meigs's syndrome is the unusual condition of ascites and hydrothorax associated with tumors of the ovary, other than benign solid tumors. The syndrome has been reported only twice previously in association with pregnancy. The present case of pseudo-Meigs's syndrome, secondary to a pseudomucinous cystadenocarcinoma of low-grade malignancy, is the 15th such case reported that is associated with a mucinous tumor. The pathogenesis of both pleural and ascitic fluids has been variously attributed to ovarian vein fibrosis, lymphatic congestion in the tumor, and an inflammatory response. This case is the first in which protein electrophoresis and lipid profiles of both fluids are presented. The evidence in this case supports an inflammatory etiology as the single cause for both fluids.