Ovarian dysgerminoma associated with Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome and functioning ovarian stroma: a case report

Abstract Background We present the first case of an ovarian dysgerminoma complicated by pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. Furthermore, this is the fourth reported case of ovarian dysgerminoma with functioning ovarian stroma resulting elevated androgen levels preoperatively. Case A 25-year-old white female was referred to our department for abdominal swelling and a rapidly enlarging abdominal mass. Chest X-ray showed massive right pleural effusion. Abdominopelvic CT scan showed a left adnexal solid mass and ascites. Preoperative abnormally elevated hormone levels were as follows: free testosterone 7.7 pg/mL, androstenodione 13.6 ng/mL, and cortisol 29.4 μg/dL. Left salpingo-oophorectomy and wedge resection of the right ovary were performed. Final histopathological investigation of the left ovary was dysgerminoma associated with stromal luteinization. Conclusion Dysgerminoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a young patient with a pelvic mass, ascites, and pleural effusion and preoperative counseling should be directed accordingly. In addition, dysgerminomas may be accompanied by ovarian stromal luteinization and steroid hormone production, which occasionally result in chemical or clinical hyperandrogenism.