A female patient with solid ovarian neoplasm developed Meigs syndrome. All of the following are the components of this triad, EXCEPT:
**Question:** A female patient with solid ovarian neoplasm developed Meigs syndrome. All of the following are the components of this triad, EXCEPT:
A. Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space surrounding the lungs)
B. Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count)
C. Rapidly progressive ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity)
D. Solid ovarian neoplasm (ovarian cancer)
**Correct Answer:** B. Thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count)
**Core Concept:**
Meigs syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of a benign solid ovarian tumor (ovarian adenoma), pleural effusion, and ascites, along with transient hypertension. This clinical triad is typically associated with ovarian fibroma or adenoma, which are benign tumors.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Thrombocytopenia is not a component of Meigs syndrome. The syndrome is primarily characterized by pleural effusion and ascites, which are consequences of the benign ovarian tumor compressing the surrounding structures and leading to increased hydrostatic pressure. The increased pressure causes fluid to accumulate in the pleural space (pleural effusion) and abdominal cavity (ascites).
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the pleural space surrounding the lungs) - This is a correct component of Meigs syndrome and is present in all cases.
C. Rapidly progressive ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity) - This is also a correct component of Meigs syndrome and is present in all cases.
D. Solid ovarian neoplasm (ovarian cancer) - While Meigs syndrome can be associated with ovarian fibroma or adenoma (benign tumors), the term "ovarian cancer" is too broad and does not accurately represent the syndrome's underlying pathology, which is the benign tumors causing increased hydrostatic pressure and fluid accumulation.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Meigs syndrome is a clinical entity that primarily presents with symptoms like shortness of breath, abdominal distension, and pleural effusion. The diagnosis is typically made when these symptoms are seen in the context of a newly diagnosed ovarian fibroma or adenoma. This syndrome is named after Dr. Lyman Meigs, who first described this condition in 1955.
**Core Concept Explanation:**
Meigs syndrome is a rare condition in which a benign ovarian tumor (fibroma or adenoma) causes increased hydrostatic pressure, leading to pleural effusion and ascites. The increased pressure leads to fluid accumulation in the pleural space (pleural effusion) and abdominal cavity (ascites). The syndrome is commonly associated with a benign tumor, which is why the correct answer is D (solid ovarian neoplasm). However, the term "ovarian cancer" is not accurate for Meigs syndrome, as the syndrome is caused by benign tumors rather than malignant tumors like cancer.