Abstract

Smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) presenting as pseudo-Meigs' syndrome with low vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression has not been reported in previous literature. Here, we report a case of uterine STUMP associated with ascites and pleural effusion, which was resolved completely after hysterectomy. A 47-year-old woman presented to the clinic with a complaint of progressive abdominal distension for several months. A large movable, painless pelvic mass located upward above the umbilical level was palpated. Sonography and computed tomography showed a hypervascular solid pelvic mass measuring 20 × 17 × 15 cm in size associated with ascites and right pleural effusion. Laparotomy revealed a large uterine mass with ascites in the abdomen. Total hysterectomy and left-side salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The final pathologic report revealed a STUMP tumor with low expression of VEGF by immunohistochemistry. A follow-up chest X-ray revealed that the pleural effusion was resolved completely 1 week postoperatively. The patient is doing well without recurrence in the following 2 years. Uterine STUMP tumor may cause pseudo-Meigs' syndrome. However, the ascites or the pleural effusion may not be induced by VEGF, known as vascular permeability factor, in our case.