Ovarian dysgerminoma with pseudo-Meigs syndrome: A case report

Dysgerminoma is a rare malignant tumor of the ovary, more frequently occurring in young women. The main signs of pseudo-Meigs syndrome (PMS) are ascites and hydrothorax accompanying benign or malignant ovarian tumors (no fibroma or fibroma-like tumor).

A 19-year-old woman with fever and chest tightness for 2 days.

Pectoral-abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large amount of right pleural effusion, a small amount of ascites, and a huge abdominopelvic mass measuring about 29.2cm × 11.8cm × 8.4 cm in the left ovary. The result of hydrothorax examination was consistent with the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion. In addition, Rivalta-test showed a positive result and lactate dehydrogenase was elevated. The histopathological diagnosis was a giant germ cell tumor, which was consistent with dysgerminoma in terms of both morphology and immunophenotype. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of malignant ovarian neoplasm with PMS was made.

Surgical resection of the tumor was performed.

The patient recovered well after operation, and the pleural effusion and abdominal ascites vanished. No recurrence was observed during the 1-year follow-up period.

Ovarian dysgerminoma with PMS is a rare malignant tumor of the ovary, which often occurs in young women. It should be considered in differential diagnosis of patients with a pelvic mass, ascites and pleural effusion. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are beneficial to prolonged survival.