Case reports

A rare case of ovarian lymphangioma with elevated CA-125 causing pseudo-Meigs’ syndrome

M Mangla, R Nautiyal, D Prasad, N Shirazi

Abstract


Lymphangiomas are benign congenital malformations of the lymphatic system, thought to occur as a result of obstruction of the local lymph flow system. They can occur anywhere in the skin and mucous membranes. The most common sites are the head and neck, but sometimes they are found in the intestines, pancreas and mesentery. Lymphangioma of the ovary is an extremely rare lesion. It was first described in 1908. Clinical manifestations can vary, from an asymptomatic ovarian mass to an acute abdomen. These may be confused with malignant ovarian masses, resulting in extensive surgery. A 34-year-old woman presented with dull aching pain localised to the lower abdomen, present for the previous 6 months. Ultrasound and a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan of the abdomen were suggestive of an enlarged right ovary with massive ascites. The cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) level was 685 units/mL. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed chylous ascites, and further, a frozen section revealed a few atypical cells, additionally strengthening the diagnosis of a malignant tumour. Staging laparotomy with total abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy was finally performed. Histopathology revealed lymphangioma, with no evidence of malignancy. CA-125 also showed a rapid decline following surgery. Lymphangiomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of ovarian cystic masses, especially in patients with chylous ascites. It is very important to discriminate such cases from other malignant tumours in order to avoid overtreatment. However, a careful follow-up for at least 2 years is needed for patients with lymphangioma of the ovary, to exclude recurrence.

Authors' affiliations

M Mangla, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jollygrant, Dehradun, India

R Nautiyal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jollygrant, Dehradun, India

D Prasad, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jollygrant, Dehradun, India

N Shirazi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jollygrant, Dehradun, India

Full Text

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Keywords

lymphangioma ovary; benign lesions of ovary

Cite this article

South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2018;24(3):95-99. DOI:10.7196/sajog.1347

Article History

Date submitted: 2018-04-22
Date published: 2019-02-22

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