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Severe ascites with hypothyroidism and elevated CA125 concentration: a case report.
Ryosuke Kimura1, Kenro Imaeda, Tatsuo Mizuno
1Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Japan.
Endocrine Journal
|September 20, 2007
Summary
Hypothyroidism can rarely cause ascites (fluid in the abdomen), mimicking ovarian cancer with elevated CA 125. Thyroid hormone replacement effectively resolved the ascites and lowered tumor markers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ascites is uncommon in hypothyroidism, with unclear pathogenesis.
- Elevated tumor markers, like CA 125, can complicate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old female presented with massive ascites and elevated serum CA 125.
- Ascitic fluid showed high protein and a high serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG).
- No malignancy was detected.
Findings:
- Thyroid hormone replacement therapy led to complete resolution of ascites.
- Serum CA 125 concentrations decreased following treatment.
- This case highlights a rare presentation of hypothyroidism.
Implications:
- Evaluating thyroid function is crucial for diagnosing unexplained ascites and elevated tumor markers.
- Ascites secondary to hypothyroidism is treatable with thyroid hormone replacement.
- This underscores the importance of considering endocrine disorders in unexplained fluid accumulation.
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