"Pseudoascites" secondary to an amylase-producing serous ovarian cystadenoma. A case study

Large intraabdominal cystic tumors may mimic ascites. In particular, large ovarian cystadenomas may be mistaken for ascites, and when tapped, may contain an elevated cyst fluid amylase. The amylase from ovarian neoplasms, however, is distinguishable from pancreatic or salivary amylase in that it is more acidic in its isoelectric focusing. Additionally, epithelial cells from the tumor do not contain zymogen granules when examined with electron microscopy. We describe what we think is the third reported case of a patient with "pseudoascites" secondary to an amylase-producing serous cystadenoma.