What is the Difference Between Meigs and Pseudo Meigs Syndrome?

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Meigs syndrome and pseudo-Meigs syndrome are both characterized by the presence of ascites and pleural effusion, but they differ in the type of ovarian tumor associated with these symptoms.

Meigs syndrome is defined by the triad of benign ovarian tumor (mostly ovarian fibromas), ascites, and pleural effusion. It is diagnosed based on the presence of an ovarian fibroma, pleural effusion, and ascites, and it resolves spontaneously after the resection of the fibroma. The majority of pleural effusions in patients with Meigs syndrome are exudative.

Pseudo-Meigs syndrome presents with pleural effusions and ascites in the setting of a malignant ovarian tumor. It consists of pleural effusion, ascites, and benign tumors of the ovary other than fibromas, such as those of the fallopian tube or uterus and mature teratomas, struma ovarii, and ovarian leiomyomas. The majority of pleural effusions in patients with pseudo-Meigs syndrome are also exudative.

In summary, the main difference between Meigs and pseudo-Meigs syndrome lies in the nature of the ovarian tumor associated with the symptoms of ascites and pleural effusion. While Meigs syndrome is characterized by a benign ovarian fibroma, pseudo-Meigs syndrome is associated with a malignant ovarian tumor or other benign ovarian tumors other than fibromas.

Comparative Table: Meigs vs Pseudo Meigs Syndrome

Meigs syndrome and pseudo-Meigs syndrome are both rare ovarian neoplastic diseases characterized by the presence of ascites and pleural effusion. They differ in the nature of the ovarian tumor and the associated pleural fluid. Here is a comparison table between the two syndromes:

Feature Meigs Syndrome Pseudo-Meigs Syndrome
Tumor Type Benign ovarian fibroma or fibroma-like tumor Benign tumors of the ovary, fallopian tube, or uterus, such as mucinous cystadenomas, teratomas, struma ovarii, and leiomyomas
Pleural Effusion Majority of cases are exudative Pleural fluid in reported cases is typically transudative
Diagnosis Elevated CA-125 levels in the absence of malignancy Elevated CA-125 levels may be present, but the presence of malignancy is not ruled out
Treatment Surgical removal of the tumor (full laparotomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, wedge resection, or abdominal hysterectomy) Total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Both syndromes present with ascites and pleural effusion, but the underlying cause and tumor type differ. The presence of a benign or malignant ovarian tumor, ascites, and pleural effusion must be carefully evaluated to differentiate between these two rare syndromes.