Meigs Syndrome, named after US gynecologist Joe Vincent Meigs, is a rare medical condition characterized by the presence of a benign ovarian tumor, pleural effusion, and ascites. The correct pronunciation of this syndrome is /meɪɡz sɪndroʊm/. The first syllable of "Meigs" is pronounced as "may-gz", and the second syllable is pronounced as "sind-rohm". The phonetic transcription of a word is a great tool to help understand how to properly pronounce medical terms, and this can help enhance communication between healthcare providers and their patients.
Meigs syndrome, also known as Meigs' disease or Demons-Meigs syndrome, is a rare medical condition that involves the presence of a benign ovarian tumor, accompanied by pleural effusion (a buildup of fluid in the lungs) and ascites (the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity). This triad of symptoms characterizes Meigs syndrome, and it is important to note that the presence of all three components is crucial for this diagnosis.
The exact cause of Meigs syndrome is currently unknown, and it primarily affects women in their reproductive years. The ovarian tumor associated with Meigs syndrome is usually a fibroma, which is a non-cancerous (benign) growth originating from the connective tissues of the ovary. However, other types of ovarian tumors, such as thecomas and granulosa cell tumors, can also be involved.
The symptoms of Meigs syndrome include abdominal swelling or bloating, difficulty breathing, pleuritic chest pain, fatigue, and sometimes weight gain. To diagnose this condition, doctors typically perform a variety of tests, including physical examination, imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI, and analysis of the fluid present in the pleural and/or abdominal cavities.
Treatment for Meigs syndrome usually involves surgical removal of the ovarian tumor, which leads to a complete resolution of the triad of symptoms. The prognosis for patients with this syndrome is generally very positive, as the benign ovarian tumor is typically curable, and once removed, the fluid accumulation in the lungs and abdomen quickly dissipates.
"Meigs Syndrome" is named after its discoverer, Dr. Joe Vincent Meigs, an American gynecologist. Dr. Meigs first described the condition in 1934, highlighting the association between three factors: ovarian fibroma, ascites (abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen), and pleural effusion (abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lungs). He initially referred to it as "pseudo-Meigs syndrome" to differentiate it from a similar condition called "true Meigs syndrome". Over time, "pseudo-Meigs syndrome" became more commonly known as "Meigs syndrome", and it is now used to describe the triad of ovarian fibroma, ascites, and pleural effusion.