[Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome]

Cytologic examination of the body cavity effusions in patients with ovarian tumours is performed to differentiate between reactive processes and tumour spread. While detection of malignant cells is a marker of metastatic disease and a sign of bad prognosis, benign effusions affect neither disease stage nor the patient's prognosis. Determination of the presence or absence of tumour spread is based primarily on cellular morphology. As distinction between reactive mesothelial and cancer cells can be difficult, immunocytochemistry may be employed in equivocal cases. The case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with a large pelvic mass accompanied by ascites and hydrothorax is described. Cytomorphology of preoperative pleural fluid specimen was inconclusive. Immunocytochemical examination of cell block sections using: BerEP4, B72.3, CA 125, CD15, CEA, E-cadherin and calretinin was done. No epithelial cells were detected and diagnosis of reactive mesothelial cells was made. Laparotomy was performed and adnexal tumour removed. Borderline mucinous tumour of the ovary was diagnosed. There was no recurrence of the ascites or hydrothorax. The clinicopathologic features and terminology of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome are briefly reviewed. The role of ancillary studies in diagnosis of body cavity effusions is emphasized.