Deciphering the puzzle: a case report of Tjalma syndrome (pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome) with profoundly elevated CA-125 and pleural effusion

Qing Tan; Li Feng Xu; Ting Yan; Cheng Hui Huang; Yi Tao; Wen Hui Huang; Shui Lian Yu

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277683

Frontiers in Immunology (Dec 2023)

Deciphering the puzzle: a case report of Tjalma syndrome (pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome) with profoundly elevated CA-125 and pleural effusion

Qing Tan,
Li Feng Xu,
Ting Yan,
Cheng Hui Huang,
Yi Tao,
Wen Hui Huang,
Shui Lian Yu

Affiliations

Qing Tan: Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Li Feng Xu: Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Ting Yan: Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Cheng Hui Huang: Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Yi Tao: Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Wen Hui Huang: Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Shui Lian Yu: Department of Rheumatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277683
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14

Abstract

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Elevated CA-125 levels, polyserous effusions (such as pleural effusion, ascites, etc.) in young women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may signal pseudo-pseudo Meigs’ syndrome (PPMS), after excluding other causes. We describe a 32-year-old SLE patient with recurrent bilateral pleural effusions and unexplained hypercalcemia for 10 months. Extensive evaluations revealed no infections or tumors. Cytokine analysis showed elevated interleukin (IL) levels, especially IL-6 in pleural effusion. Treatment with immunosuppressive therapy resulted in reduced cancer antigen (CA) 125 levels and decreased effusion volume, demonstrating a positive response to intervention in this case of PPMS.

Published in Frontiers in Immunology

ISSN: 1664-3224 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Immunologic diseases. Allergy
Website: http://journal.frontiersin.org/journal/immunology

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