Pseudo-pseudo Meigs' syndrome (PPMS) is a rare manifestation of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), defined by the presence of ascites, pleural effusions and an elevated CA-125 level. We describe a patient with longstanding lupus who presented with localized lymphadenopathy and subsequently developed massive chylous ascites with marked hypoalbuminemia. A brief historical overview of Meigs' syndrome and related entities is presented, along with a discussion of the differential diagnosis of hypoalbuminemia and ascites in an SLE patient. In addition, we speculate on the optimal therapeutic intervention in such a patient. © 2012 The Author(s).