Tjalma syndrome (pseudo-pseudo Meigs') as initial manifestation of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Tjalma syndrome or pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by pleural effusion, ascites and elevated CA-125 with no associated benign or malignant ovarian tumor in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Tjalma described the first case of a patient with SLE, pleural effusion, ascites and elevated CA-125. We report the first case in a 14-year old patient who presented with ascites and pleural effusion refractory to treatment and elevated CA-125, in the absence of an ovarian tumor, that warranted aggressive management.

Keywords: CA-125; Lupus eritematoso sistémico; Pseudo-pseudo Meigs; Pseudo-pseudo Meigs’; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Síndrome de Tjalma; Tjalma syndrome.