Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome caused by uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential with low vascular endothelial growth factor expression.

Abstract

Smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) presenting as pseudo-Meigs' syndrome with low vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression has not been reported in previous literature. Here, we report a case of uterine STUMP associated with ascites and pleural effusion, which was resolved completely after hysterectomy. A 47-year-old woman presented to the clinic with a complaint of progressive abdominal distension for several months. A large movable, painless pelvic mass located upward above the umbilical level was palpated. Sonography and computed tomography showed a hypervascular solid pelvic mass measuring 20 x 17 x 15 cm in size associated with ascites and right pleural effusion. Laparotomy revealed a large uterine mass with ascites in the abdomen. Total hysterectomy and left-side salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The final pathologic report revealed a STUMP tumor with low expression of VEGF by immunohistochemistry. A follow-up chest X-ray revealed that the pleural effusion was resolved completely 1 week postoperatively. The patient is doing well without recurrence in the following 2 years. Uterine STUMP tumor may cause pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. However, the ascites or the pleural effusion may not be induced by VEGF, known as vascular permeability factor, in our case.

• Authors: S E Huang, S C Huang, W Y Lee, K-F Hsu
• Journal: International journal of gynecological cancer : official journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society (Int J Gynecol Cancer) 2008 Jul-Aug Vol. 18 Issue 4 Pg. 851-3 ISSN: 1525-1438 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 17944915 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• VEGFA protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Topics

• Disease Progression
• Down-Regulation
• Female
• Humans
• Meigs Syndrome (diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, etiology, metabolism, pathology)
• Middle Aged
• Pleural Effusion, Malignant (diagnostic imaging)
• Radiography
• Smooth Muscle Tumor (complications, diagnostic imaging, metabolism, pathology)
• Uterine Neoplasms (complications, metabolism, pathology)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (metabolism)