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Myxedema ascites with elevated serum CA 125 concentration
Daniella R Duarte1, Claudia V Chang, Marcos F Minicucci
1Department of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu-UNESP, São Paolo, Brazil.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|February 16, 2006
Summary
Hypothyroidism can cause ascites and elevated CA 125 levels, mimicking cancer. Prompt diagnosis and hormonal treatment resolved these symptoms, suggesting hypothyroidism as a potential cause.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Distinguishing malignant ascites from other causes is clinically significant.
- Elevated serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) is a common tumor marker, often associated with ovarian cancer.
- The relationship between hypothyroidism and ascites with elevated CA 125 is not well-understood.
Observation:
- A patient presented with myxedema ascites and significantly high serum CA 125 levels.
- Diagnostic imaging, including transvaginal ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography, ruled out malignancy.
- Ascites and elevated CA 125 resolved completely following appropriate thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
Findings:
- The study identified hypothyroidism as a potential non-malignant cause of ascites and elevated CA 125.
- Resolution of symptoms upon treatment supports the link between thyroid dysfunction and these clinical findings.
- This case highlights the importance of considering endocrine disorders in unexplained ascites and tumor marker elevation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider hypothyroidism in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with ascites and elevated CA 125.
- Appropriate endocrine evaluation may prevent unnecessary oncological interventions.
- This finding broadens the understanding of potential causes for elevated CA 125 beyond malignancy.