Meigs syndrome
Updates to Article Attributes
Meigs syndrome is defined as the presence of ascites and pleural effusion / hydrothorax in in association with a benign, usually solid ovarian tumour. In the vast majority (80-90%) of cases, the primary tumour is an ovarian fibroma. Other primary tumours include:
Pathology
The pathophysiology of ascites in Meigs syndrome is speculative. It was initially suggested that irritation of the peritoneal surfaces by a hard, solid ovarian tumour could stimulate peritoneal fluid production. The pathophysiology of the pleural effusion is also speculative with some suggesting ascitic fluid being transferred via trans-diaphragmatic lymphatic channels into the pleural space.
Distribution
The pleural fluid tends to be right sided in a majority (~60-70%) of cases.
Treatment and prognosis
The condition is benign and the ascites and pleural effusion resolves after resection of the primary pelvic tumour.
History and etymology
Named after Joe Vincent Meigs (1892-1963), an American (US) obstetrician and gynaecologist 4.
Differential diagnosis
General considerations include:
- malignant ascites and pleural effusion in the presence of an aggressive ovarian tumour
- pseudo-Meigs syndrome: benign reversible pleural effusion in the presence of a primary tumour other than solid ovarian tumours, e.g. broad ligament leiomyoma
-<p><strong>Meigs syndrome</strong> is defined as the presence of <a href="/articles/ascites">ascites</a> and <a href="/articles/pleural-effusion">pleural effusion</a> / hydrothorax in association with a benign, usually solid <a href="/articles/ovarian-tumours">ovarian tumour</a>. In the vast majority (80-90%) of cases, the primary tumour is an <a href="/articles/ovarian-fibroma">ovarian fibroma</a>. Other primary tumours include: </p><ul>- +<p><strong>Meigs syndrome</strong> is defined as the presence of <a href="/articles/ascites">ascites</a> and <a href="/articles/pleural-effusion">pleural effusion</a> in association with a benign, usually solid <a href="/articles/ovarian-tumours">ovarian tumour</a>. In the vast majority (80-90%) of cases, the primary tumour is an <a href="/articles/ovarian-fibroma">ovarian fibroma</a>. Other primary tumours include: </p><ul>
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