Recurrent ascites and pleural effusions after surgery for early-stage endometrial adenocarcinoma.
A case of massive postoperative ascites in a woman treated for endometrial cancer is reported. A workup for typical causes of ascites yielded negative results, prompting a more detailed analysis of the patient's condition. Hypothyroidism was discovered. After correction of the hypothyroidism, the ascites slowly resolved. Since myxedema is an uncommon cause of ascites, this is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. However, hypothyroidism must be ruled out to prevent unnecessary and possibly inappropriate treatments for ascites.
Ridgeway
J J
JJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31403, USA.
Pettigrew
C
C
Gallup
D G
DG
Burke
J J
JJ
Weber
F H
FH
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000368:Aged; D001201:Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009230:Myxedema / Q000150:complications*; D019152:Paracentesis; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000150:complications*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012008:Recurrence; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome