Ovarian fibroma/fibrothecoma with elevated serum CA125 level: A cohort of 66 cases

Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors of the Ovary: An Update and Review. Part I - Pure Ovarian Stromal Tumors

In two separate reviews, we review the time-honored but still frequently challenging features of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors, and also emphasize new developments including unusual morphologic appearances that, despite the relative rarity of many of the tumors, result in a disproportionate number of differential diagnostic problems, variant immunohistochemical profiles, and specific molecular and syndromic associations. These neoplasms are also of historical interest as current knowledge is still based in significant part on the contributions of 2 giants of gynecologic pathology, Dr Robert Meyer and Dr Robert E. Scully. In part I, we present the major clinical, pathologic, and genomic features of the pure ovarian stromal tumors including comments on differential diagnosis and briefly note significant historical contributions. In part II we will discuss pure sex cord and sex cord-stromal tumors.

MRI combined with clinical features to differentiate ovarian thecoma-fibroma with cystic degeneration from ovary adenofibroma

OBJECTIVE

To explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical features in identifying ovarian thecoma-fibroma (OTF) with cystic degeneration and ovary adenofibroma (OAF).

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with OTF (OTF group) and 28 patients with OAF (OAF group) were included in this retrospective study. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed on clinical features and MRI between the two groups, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to estimate the optimal threshold and predictive performance.

RESULTS

The OTF group had smaller cyst degeneration degree (P < .001), fewer black sponge sign (20% vs. 53.6%, P = .004), lower minimum apparent diffusion coefficient value (ADCmin) (0.986 (0.152) vs. 1.255 (0.370), P < .001), higher age (57.4 ± 14.2 vs. 44.1 ± 15.9, P = .001) and more postmenopausal women (72.5% vs. 28.6%, P < .001) than OAF. The area under the curve of MRI, clinical features and MRI combined with clinical features was 0.870, 0.841, and 0.954, respectively, and MRI combined with clinical features was significantly higher than the other two (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The cyst degeneration degree, black sponge sign, ADCmin, age and menopause were independent factors in identifying OTF with cystic degeneration and OAF. The combination of MRI and clinical features has a good effect on the identification of the two.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This is the first time to distinguish OTF with cystic degeneration from OAF by combining MRI and clinical features. It shows the diagnostic performance of MRI, clinical features, and combination of the two. This will facilitate the discriminability and awareness of these two diseases among radiologists and gynaecologists.

18F-FDG PET/CT features of Meigs syndrome induced by ovarian sex cord stromal tumors: a retrospective clinical study

The objective of this study was retrospectively to analyze the clinical characteristics and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in Meigs syndrome (MS) patients. A total of 21 patients with MS induced by ovarian stromal tumors and 69 patients with pseudo-MS caused by ovarian cancer (OC-PMS) were subjected to evaluation using 18F-FDG PET/CT. Visual and semi-quantitative methods were employed to analyze the PET/CT findings. Visual analysis included recording whether the density of the primary tumor was uniform, whether there were cystic changes and calcifications, and the location of serous fluid accumulation. Semi-quantitative analysis involved the measurement of the tumor size, SUVmax, and SUVmean. No significant difference was observed in the size and density of primary tumors between the MS group and the OC-PMS group. However, the SUVmax and SUVmean of tumors in the MS group were found to be significantly lower than those in the OC-PMS group. The amount of serous cavity effusion caused by ovarian sex cord stromal tumors was found to be unrelated to the size of the tumor, SUVmax, and SUVmean but was positively correlated with the level of Ca125. MS patients have both benign ovarian tumors and ascites and/or pleural effusion, which may be accompanied by elevated Ca125 levels. This should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses for ovarian cancer. Understanding the PET/CT features of MS can facilitate the attainment of an accurate diagnosis before surgery.

Comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound, IOTA simple rules and O-RADS for assessing the malignant risk of sonographically appearing solid ovarian masses

PURPOSE

To explore the diagnostic accuracy of ovarian solid tumors by 2D ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the CEUS characteristics of prospectively enrolled 16 benign and 19 malignant ovarian solid tumors. We performed International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) simple rules and Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) for all lesions, and evaluated their characteristics on CEUS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of IOTA simple rules, O-RADS and CEUS in the diagnosis of ovarian solid malignancies were calculated.

RESULTS

The combination of time to wash-in earlier than or equal to the myometrium, time to PI earlier than or equal to the myometrium and the intensity at peak were higher than or equal to myometrium with sensibility of 0.947, specificity of 0.938, and PPV of 0.947, NPV of 0.938 which were higher than IOTA simple rules and O-RADS. According to the definition of ovarian solid tumor, the diagnostic accuracy of O-RADS 3 and CEUS were both 100%, CEUS improved the accuracy of O-RADS 4 from 47.4% to 87.5%, the accuracy of solid smooth CS 4 in O-RADS 5 and CEUS were both 100%, CEUS improved the accuracy of solid irregular in O-RADS 5 from 70% to 87.5%.

CONCLUSION

For ovarian solid tumors that are difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant, the introduction of CEUS on the basis of 2D classification criteria can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy.

Surgical Treatment of a Rare Case of Ovarian Fibroma Associated With Elevated CA125 Levels in a Patient of Reproductive Age: A Case Report

Small ovarian fibromas (< 10cm) associated with elevated serum CA125 levels are rarely encountered, particularly in women of reproductive age. We report a rare case diagnosed in a 35-year-old patient after adnexectomy for a solid ovarian mass of approximately 5cm in maximum diameter, accompanied by elevated serum CA125 levels. In preoperative evaluation, no signs of inflammation from the genital tract were found, and no medical history of endometriosis, uterine leiomyomas, or non-gynecological cancer was reported. Intraoperative frozen section biopsy of surgical specimen obtained from the ovarian tumor had negative evaluation for malignancy. Histological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian fibroma. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two months after surgery, the blood serum CA125 levels were within normal ranges. The patient is assessed at regular intervals in the gynecology outpatient clinic. In this paper, based on the data of the modern literature, a brief review of this rare nosological entity is made.

A case of death of patient with ovarian fibroma combined with Meigs Syndrome and literature review

Ovarian fibroma is the most common benign pure stromal tumor. It has no specific clinical manifestation, most of which are pelvic or adnexal masses. 10-15% of cases with hydrothorax or ascites, after tumor resection, hydrothorax and ascites disappear, known as Meigs Syndrome. The elevated level of CA125 in a few patients was easily misdiagnosed as ovarian malignant tumor. A case of bilateral Ovarian fibroma associated with Meigs Syndrome is reported and the literature is reviewed in order to improve the understanding of the changes and avoid misdiagnosis.

Fibrothecoma in a Virgo Intacta Adolescent with Elevated Levels of CA 125 and B-hCG: A Case Report

Ovarian fibromas are benign tumors that consist of spindle cells in bundles or storiformly arranged with collagen fibers in the stroma. Thecomas resemble theca interna ovarian cells, and there is lipid material in their cytoplasm. There is an overlap in histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of these two benign tumors, and the term "fibrothecoma" was coined to describe such cases. Their incidence is extremely rare in adolescents. The subject of our study is a 15-year-old, unmarried, virgo intacta patient who was referred to us due to profuse vaginal bleeding and the loss of consciousness. A right ovary ultrasound examination exposed the formation of a hyperechoic tumor with a diameter of 41.2 mm × 29.5 mm. Findings of cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) in the amounts of 621.1 U/mL and 142.87 mIU/mL of the B-human chorionic gonadotropin (B-hCG) serum were determined. After preoperative preparation, we operated on the patient to remove a tumor with a diameter of 37 mm × 30 mm × 22 mm, smooth outer surface, solid cross-section, and yellowish white color. The diagnosis of fibrothecoma was made based on pathohistological examination. An unusual finding of fibrothecoma in a virgo intacta adolescent with profuse vaginal bleeding and increased levels of CA 125 and B-hCG may serve as a basis for broader thinking about the pathology of juvenile bleeding.

Assessment of the diagnostic value of CEA, CA125, and CRP and their cut-off point for discrimination of exudative pleural effusions

Pleural effusion is divided into exudative and transudative effusion, and the distinction between exudate and transudate requires multiple investigations of biochemical parameters and their comparison in pleural fluid and serum. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of CEA, CA125, and CRP and their cut-off point for discrimination of exudative pleural effusions. This epidemiological and cross-sectional study was performed on 50 patients aged between 18 to 90 years with the diagnosis of exudative pleural effusion referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz in 2018 and 2019. Demographic and clinical information of patients were collected. The pleural effusion was diagnosed based on physical examination and chest radiography. Pleural effusion was confirmed by thoracentesis. A pleural fluid sample was taken from all patients, and the levels of CEA, CA125, and CRP markers were measured in the pleural fluid. Differentiation of transudate and exudate pleural effusions was performed using Light criteria. The mean CEA and CA125 level of pleural fluid were significantly higher, and the mean CRP level of pleural fluid was significantly lower in patients with malignant diagnoses (P <0.05). Cut-off value with highest sensitivity and specificity in differentiating types of exudative pleural effusions was obtained for CEA tumor marker (greater than 49.8), CA125 tumor marker (greater than 814.02), and CRP marker (less than 7.56). Also, in differentiating types of exudative pleural effusions, CEA tumor marker had sensitivity (89.03%) and specificity (78.42%); CA125 tumor marker had sensitivity (53.18%) and specificity (62.44%), and CRP marker had sensitivity (82.16%), and specificity (89.05%) were. Although the tumor markers had high specificity in the present study, the low sensitivity of some of these tumor markers reduced their diagnostic value. On the other hand, given the numerous advantages of tumor markers, such as low cost and non-invasive, combining them with another can increase the diagnostic value and accuracy.

Meigs syndrome with pleural effusion as initial manifestation: A case report

BACKGROUND

Meigs syndrome is a rare neoplastic disease characterized by the triad of benign solid ovarian tumor, ascites, and pleural effusion. In postmenopausal women with pleural effusions, ascites, elevated CA-125 level, and pelvic masses, the probability of disseminated disease is high. Nevertheless, the final diagnosis is based on its histopathologic features following surgical removal of a mass lesion. Here we describe a case of Meigs syndrome with pleural effusion as the initial manifestation.

CASE SUMMARY

A 52-year-old woman presented with a 2-mo history of dry cough and oppression in the chest and was admitted to our hospital due to recurrent pleural effusion and gradual worsening of dyspnea that had occurred over the previous month. Two months before admission, the patient underwent repeated chest drainage and empirical anti-tuberculosis treatment. However, the pleural fluid accumulation persisted, and the patient began to experience dyspnea on exertion leading to admission. A computed tomography scan of the chest, abdominal ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of right-sided pleural effusion and ascites with a right ovarian mass. Serum tumor markers showed raised CA-125. With a suspicion of a malignant tumor, the patient underwent laparoscopic excision of the ovarian mass and the final pathology was consistent with an ovarian fibrothecoma. On the seventh day postoperation, the patient had resolution of the right-sided pleural effusion.

CONCLUSION

Despite the relatively high risk of malignancy when an ovarian mass associated with hydrothorax is found in a patient with elevated serum levels of CA-125, clinicians should be aware about rare benign syndromes, like Meigs, for which surgery remains the preferred treatment.

Meigs syndrome presenting with severely elevated CA-125 level

A 64-year-old woman referred to Gynaecological Oncology secondary to the finding of pelvic mass and ascites. Imaging showed multiple pelvic masses, with the largest mass measuring 20 cm in diameter, as well as bilateral pleural effusions and abdominal ascites, suspicious for ovarian carcinoma. Laboratory findings included elevated cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) of 2124 units/mL. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for pathological evaluation. Postoperatively, the patient had resolution of ascites and pleural effusion. Surgical pathology revealed a 26 cm right ovarian fibroma, confirming the diagnosis of Meigs syndrome. Despite the high suspicion for ovarian carcinoma in patients presenting with elevated CA-125 level, pelvic mass, ascites and pleural effusion, the diagnosis of Meigs syndrome cannot be excluded without pathological evaluation of mass.

MALDI-MSI-A Step Forward in Overcoming the Diagnostic Challenges in Ovarian Tumors

This study presents the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) directly on the tissue of two ovarian tumors that often present a diagnostic challenge, a low-grade serous borderline ovarian tumor and ovarian fibrothecoma. Different spatial distribution of m/z values within the tissue samples was observed, and regiospecific peaks were identified. Among the 106 peaks in the borderline ovarian tumor five, regiospecific peaks (m/z: 2861.35; 2775.79; 3368.34; 3438.43; 4936.37) were selected using FlexImaging software. Subsequently, the distribution of those selected peaks was visualized on the fibrothecoma tissue section, which demonstrated the differences in the tissue homo-/heterogeneous structure of both tumors. The comparison with the histopathological staining of the ovarian borderline tumor tissue section, obtained during serial sectioning, showed a close correlation of the molecular map with the morphological and histopathological features of the tissue and allowed the identification of different tissue types within the sample. This study highlights the potential significance of MSI in enabling morphological characterization of ovarian tumors as well as correct diagnosis and further prognosis than thus far seen in the literature. Osteopontin, tropomyosin and orosomucoid are only a couple of the molecules investigated using MALDI-MSI in ovarian cancer research. This study, in line with the available literature, proves the potential of MALDI-MSI to overcome the current limitations of classic histopathological examination giving a more in-depth insight into the tissue structure and thus lead to the more accurate differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors, especially in the most challenging cases.

Preoperative Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Non-epithelial Ovarian Tumors: Clinical Features and Tumor Markers

OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate the role of clinical features and preoperative measurement of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), human epididymis protein (HE4), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) serum levels in women with benign and malignant non-epithelial ovarian tumors.

METHODS

 One hundred and nineteen consecutive women with germ cell, sex cord-stromal, and ovarian leiomyomas were included in this study. The preoperative levels of biomarkers were measured, and then surgery and histopathological analysis were performed. Information about the treatment and disease recurrence were obtained from the medical files of patients.

RESULTS

 Our sample included 71 women with germ cell tumors (64 benign and 7 malignant), 46 with sex cord-stromal tumors (32 benign and 14 malignant), and 2 with ovarian leiomyomas. Among benign germ cell tumors, 63 were mature teratomas, and, among malignant, four were immature teratomas. The most common tumors in the sex cord-stromal group were fibromas (benign) and granulosa cell tumor (malignant). The biomarker serum levels were not different among benign and malignant non-epithelial ovarian tumors. Fertility-sparing surgeries were performed in 5 (71.4%) women with malignant germ cell tumor. Eleven (78.6%) patients with malignant sex cord-stromal tumors were treated with fertility-sparing surgeries. Five women (71.4%) with germ cell tumors and only 1 (7.1%) with sex cord-stromal tumor were treated with chemotherapy. One woman with germ cell tumor recurred and died of the disease and one woman with sex cord-stromal tumor recurred.

CONCLUSION

 Non-epithelial ovarian tumors were benign in the majority of cases, and the malignant cases were diagnosed at initial stages with good prognosis. The measurements of CA125, HE4, and CEA serum levels were not useful in the preoperative diagnosis of these tumors.

Triple negative lobular breast carcinoma metastatic to an ovarian fibrothecoma

A postmenopausal woman with lobular breast carcinoma metastatic to a large ovarian fibrothecoma is presented. The two metastatic tumor nodules were grossly subtle and could have been overlooked in the background of the large ovarian stromal tumor. Thorough sampling of the tumor for histologic examination and supporting immunohistochemical stains were important in establishing the diagnosis. Differential diagnostic considerations are discussed.

Practical Review of Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors

Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors are uncommon tumors and clinically differ from epithelial tumors. They occur across a wide age range and patients often present with hormone-related symptoms. Most are associated with an indolent clinical course. Sex cord-stromal tumors are classified into 3 main categories: pure stromal tumors, pure sex cord tumors, and mixed sex cord-stromal tumors. The rarity, overlapping histomorphology and immunoprofile of various sex cord-stromal tumors often contributes to diagnostic difficulties. This article describes the various types of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors and includes practical approaches to differential diagnoses and updates in classification.

[Demons-Meigs syndrome or cardiomyopathy: a difficult case of a differential diagnosis]

The article presents an overview of the data related to Demons-Meigs syndrome and the clinical situation associated with a complex differential diagnosis between myocarditis with the formation of secondary cardiomyopathy and Demons-Meigs syndrome. A variety of clinical symptom complexes that are associated with Demons-Meigs syndrome is discussed. The concepts of classical and non-classical, full and incomplete Demons-Meigs syndrome are considered. The current views on the pathogenesis of the syndrome and the mechanism of the formation of ascites and pleural effusion are given.