Raynaud's phenomenon as a presenting manifestation of ovarian cancer: A case report

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2021 Feb;47(2):855-859. doi: 10.1111/jog.14609. Epub 2020 Dec 15.

Abstract

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterized by episodes of vasospasm affecting the hands and feet. Paraneoplastic RP, as a single presenting symptom is rarely seen in cases of ovarian cancer (OC), and thus may lead to misdiagnosis. We present a case of paraneoplastic RP in a patient with high-grade serous OC. A 66-year-old female presented with dyspnea and bilateral peripheral cyanosis involving her fingers. CA125 was elevated (423 U/mL). CT revealed a pleural effusion on the left side, suspicious omental lesions and ascites. Omental biopsy and pleural cytology demonstrated high-grade serous OC. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (carboplatin/paclitaxel) resulted in objective improvement in finger ischemia and complete regression of vasospastic features. However, the patient's disease was refractory to post-surgical treatment and eventually she deceased of multiple organ failure. To conclude, RP may be a presenting symptom of OC. It is important to determine the underlying disease and develop an effective treatment strategy.

Keywords: Raynaud's phenomenon; Raynaud's phenomenonchemotherapy; gynecologic oncology; ovarian cancer; paraneoplastic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
  • Female
  • Fingers
  • Humans
  • Ischemia
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / complications
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Raynaud Disease* / diagnosis
  • Raynaud Disease* / etiology