Meigs syndrome is a rare medical condition that involves the presence of a benign ovarian tumor, usually a fibroma or a thecoma, along with pleural effusion and ascites. The term "Meigs syndrome" was coined by Dr. Joe Vincent Meigs, an American gynecologist who first described the condition in 1934.
Three cardinal features of meigs' syndrome
1) Benign ovarian tumour
2) Pleural effusion
3) Ascites
Symptoms of Meigs syndrome typically include abdominal swelling and discomfort, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In some cases, patients may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and decreased appetite. The pleural effusion and ascites associated with Meigs syndrome are caused by the release of a fluid from the tumor, which accumulates in the pleural cavity and abdominal cavity, respectively.
The diagnosis of Meigs syndrome is usually made based on the presence of a pelvic tumor, along with the characteristic symptoms of pleural effusion and ascites. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the size and location of the tumor.
Treatment of Meigs syndrome involves surgical removal of the ovarian tumor. In most cases, the pleural effusion and ascites resolve soon after the tumor is removed. In rare cases, the pleural effusion and ascites may persist even after the tumor has been removed, in which case additional treatment may be required.
While Meigs syndrome is a rare condition, it is important for doctors to consider this diagnosis in patients presenting with unexplained pleural effusion and ascites, particularly in those with an ovarian mass. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a favorable prognosis for most patients with Meigs syndrome.
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