Malignant Struma Ovarii: an autopsy report of a clinically unsuspected tumor.

BACKGROUND

Struma Ovarii represents less than 3% of ovarian teratomas. The malignant counterpart is very rare.

CASE: A 67-year-old female with ascites and progressive weight loss died of respiratory failure secondary to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Autopsy revealed ascites, hepatic cirrhosis, emphysema, and bronchiectasis. As an incidental finding was seen a huge tumor (10 x 9.5 x 6 cm) in the left ovary. Multiple nodules were detected in the lungs. The thyroid was normal. Microscopy revealed a follicular variant of papillary carcinoma arising in ectopic thyroid tissue in the ovary with metastasis to lungs and pleura. The thyroid gland tissue was normal.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first autopsy report of a clinically unsuspected malignant Struma Ovarii.