Articles

Meigs’ syndrome is a rare triad of a benign ovarian fibroma (or fibroma‑like tumor), ascites, and pleural effusion that resolves after tumor resection. A 53‑year‑old multiparous woman presented with progressive exertional dyspnea and right‑sided pleuritic chest pain. Respiratory and cardiac evaluations were initially unrevealing. Bedside assessment identified mild right basal dullness, and point‑of‑care abdominal ultrasound demonstrated mild free fluid and a solid right adnexal mass. Chest radiography confirmed a small right pleural effusion. Without computed tomography and without diagnostic paracentesis or thoracentesis, Meigs’ syndrome was suspected. The patient underwent laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‑oophorectomy. Histopathology confirmed an ovarian fibroma. Postoperatively, symptoms resolved dramatically, and follow‑up imaging demonstrated complete resolution of the pleural effusion and ascites. This case highlights the importance of considering gynecologic etiologies in unexplained pleural effusion and dyspnea, especially when accompanied by abdominal distension or pelvic pressure.

<b>Introduction:</b> Meigs’ Syndrome, characterized by a benign ovarian tumor that leads to ascites and occasionally pleural effusion, is a rare condition that often presents significant diagnostic challenges, particularly in young female patients. This case report highlights an 18-year-old-female with persistent gross ascites and pleural effusion unresponsive to diuretics, paracentesis, and thoracentesis. Despite extensive diagnostics evaluations including negative results from several tumor makers, histology and pathology reports, Liver and renal function tests, abdominal CT scans, ECHO, Ecg, Chest X-rays and HBV screening PCR test, the underlying causes of the ascites and pleural effusion remained elusive. The diagnosis was only made following an exploratory laparotomy, which revealed the presence of bilateral benign ovarian tumors. Subsequent bilateral Oophorectomy and Salpingectomy resulted in the complete resolution of the ascites. This case underscores not only the importance of considering ovarian pathology in young females with unexplained ascites but also highlights the critical role of exploratory laparotomy when non-invasive diagnostics fails to provide answers. <b>Conclusion:</b> This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicious for Meigs’ Syndrome in young females presenting with persistent ascites and pleural effusion, even when standard diagnostic tests yield negative results. It highlights the potential necessity of surgical intervention when other diagnostic approaches fail to identify the underlying causes. Clinicians should be aware of this condition and consider it in their differential diagnosis to ensure appropriate and effective management