Leiomyoma causing massive ascites, right pleural effusion and respiratory distress. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome, or atypical Meigs' syndrome, occurs when a pelvic mass other than an ovarian fibroma is present with hydrothorax and ascites. Leiomyomas rarely cause this condition.


METHODS
An otherwise healthy 31-year-old woman presented to the emergency department in acute respiratory distress with massive ascites, pleural effusion and a pedunculated leiomyoma. After receiving mechanical ventilation, she underwent myomectomy and recovered fully within four weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
This unique presentation of pseudo-Meigs' syndrome should be included with malignancy in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass with ascites.
Ollendorff
A T
AT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Keh
P
P
Hoff
F
F
Lurain
J R
JR
Fishman
D A
DA
D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008539:Meigs Syndrome; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery