Meigs syndrome (patient information)
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Meigs syndrome |
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Meigs syndrome On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]
Overview
Meigs' syndrome is characterized as clinical triad: benign ovarian tumor, ascites, and pleural effusion. It is rare before 40 years of age and becomes more frequent as the years progress. The ovarian tumor is usually a fibroma but may be a thecoma, cystadenoma, or granulosa cell tumor. If the tumor is resected, the fluid resolves.[1]
What are the symptoms of Meigs syndrome?
Most features are related to ascites and pleural effusion. Other symptoms include: [2]
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Cough
- Bloating
- Dullness of percussion of lungs
- Tachycardia
- Present of ascites
- Present of pelvic mass
- Abdominal examination may feel the mass
What causes Meigs syndrome?
Meigs' syndrome is usually generated by the presence of benign ovarian tumors, such as fibroma, thecoma, granulosa cell tumor or cystadenoma. The fibrous growth in a woman's ovary which causes abnormal levels of sex hormone production.
Who is at highest risk?
Women with the presence of known ovarian pathology.
Diagnosis
- Cancer antigen CA-125 (Usually, elevated in pleural and peritoneal fluid)
- Blood tests FBC, U&E, LFTs, including plasma proteins.
- Chest X-ray (CXR)(AP and lateral) will show the degree of pulmonary effusion.
- Abdominal ultrasound (outline of ovarian tumour if present and ascites)
- Imaging also includes CT of the chest abdomen and pelvis, and MRI of the pelvis.
- Paracentesis and aspiration of pleural fluid
When to seek urgent medical care?
Meigs syndrome is not a life-threatening situation, however in the presence of any of the previously mentioned symptoms, patients should seek for a gynecologic surgeon for surgical management.
Treatment options
Exploratory laparotomy with surgical staging is the treatment of choice.[3]
Where to find medical care for Meigs syndrome?
For patient education resources, see Women's Health Center and Cancer center. Directions to Hospitals Treating Meigs syndrome
Prevention of Meigs syndrome
There is no primary prevention for this syndrome. It is highly suggested that women perform a regular check-up with their gynecologist every year to avoid any complications.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Overall, the patient should expect a full recovery as the condition is usually benign. The rate of cure after surgery is high and recurrence is very rare.[4] Nevertheless, this condition is contingent of histopathological findings; this normally dictates the long-term prognosis for patients.[5]
Possible complications
The major complications of Meigs syndrome is infertility.[6]
Source
- ↑ Meigs syndrome. Patient Information.http://patient.info/doctor/meigs-syndrome Accessed on November, 2015
- ↑ GOULD EA, KERR HH (1956). "Meigs' syndrome; a report of four cases, one having hemohydrothorax". Ann. Surg. 143 (6): 740–3. PMC 1465177. PMID 13327818.
- ↑ Meigs syndrome: Overview. Medscape http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/255450-overview Accessed on November,12 2015
- ↑ Meigs syndrome. Syndrome URL http://syndrome.org/meigs-syndrome/ Accessed on November,12 2015
- ↑ http://www.obgyn.net/laparoscopy-and-hysteroscopy/meigs-syndrome-case-presentation-and-revision-literature#sthash.6WwJpMGh.dpuf
- ↑ Meigs syndrome 2. Syndrome URL http://syndrome.org/meigs-syndrome/ Accessed on November,12 2015