Meigs' syndrome and virilizing ovarian fibrothecoma complicating pregnancy. A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

A half of virilizing ovarian tumors in pregnancy are malignant. The risk of cancer increases with ascites and hydrothorax. Our case shows that such tumor can be benign with good outcome.

METHODS

Primigravida in 30 weeks with advanced hirsutism (from 15 weeks), vomiting, epigastric pain, dyspnoea, ascites, hydrothorax, ovarian mass and high level of serum testosterone was operated. After the tumorectomy (fibrothecoma) we performed cesarean section (placental abruption suspected). The female fetus had no signs of virilization. In mother all symptoms and effusions resolved.

CONCLUSIONS

Meigs' syndrome in pregnancy leads to acute clinical symptoms and needs the surgical intervention with the risk of placental abruption. Virilization of mother was the first symptom of ovarian tumor but the female fetus was protected of hyperandrogenism.