Case Histories

Recurrent Ascites and Pleural Effusions After Surgery for Early-Stage Endometrial Adenocarcinoma

Authors: JEFFREY J. RIDGEWAY, MD, CARMELA PETTIGREW, MD, DONALD G. GALLUP, MD, JAMES J. BURKE, MD, FREDERICK H. WEBER, MD

Abstract

A case of massive postoperative ascites in a woman treated for endometrial cancer is reported. A workup for typical causes of ascites yielded negative results, prompting a more detailed analysis of the patient's condition. Hypothyroidism was discovered. After correction of the hypothyroidism, the ascites slowly resolved. Since myxedema is an uncommon cause of ascites, this is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. However, hypothyroidism must be ruled out to prevent unnecessary and possibly inappropriate treatments for ascites.

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References