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

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.

Digital ischaemia as a presenting feature in metastatic ovarian cancer

“…Only seven cases report on previous medical history, and of these one had hypercholesterolaemia,9 three had a history of hypertension,3 4 10 and one had type 2 diabetes mellitus 11. Only one had a positive smoking history 11. None of the cases reported a history of previous Raynaud’s phenomenon or connective tissue disease.…”

“…The age of onset ranged from 45 to 71, with a median age of 56. Only seven cases report on previous medical history, and of these one had hypercholesterolaemia,9 three had a history of hypertension,3 4 10 and one had type 2 diabetes mellitus 11. Only one had a positive smoking history 11.…”