Struma Ovarii with Pseudo-Meigs Syndrome and Increased CA-125 Levels: Case Report

Abstract

Struma ovarii is a rare type of ovarian tumor composed of more than 50% of thyroid tissue. It represents only 1% of solid ovarian tumors and 3% of dermoid subtypes, with the majority of cases following a benign course. It typically affects women between the third and fifth decades of life and often remains asymptomatic or presents with nonspecific signs. pseudo-Meigs syndrome, characterized by ascites and pleural effusion, may be present, complicating the diagnosis. Case report: A 43-year-old woman presented with abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain, and chronic dyspnea. A CT scan identified a solid-cystic pelvic mass, moderate ascites, and right-sided pleural effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the findings, raising suspicion of malignant ovarian tumor. The serum tumor marker CA-125 was elevated. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, resulting in bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Histopathological analysis of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of struma ovarii in the left ovary and mature cystic teratoma in the right ovary. Conclusion: Elevated CA-125 levels can be found in cases of struma ovarii, posing a differential diagnosis challenge with malignant ovarian neoplasms, especially when associated with pseudo-Meigs syndrome. Therefore, although rare, it should be considered as a possibility during clinical investigation of ovarian masses with atypical presentations. Imaging studies can assist, but confirmation is established through microscopic analysis. Treatment involves simple surgical resection, and symptom disappearance follows, with favorable prognosis.