Radio-surgical and pathologic correlations of pelvic intravenous leiomyomatosis

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2017 Dec;42(12):2927-2932. doi: 10.1007/s00261-017-1225-1.

Abstract

Intravenous leiomyomatosis has an unusual growth pattern characterized by proliferation of smooth muscle in uterine and systemic veins. Although histologically benign, this condition could eventually have a clinically aggressive course. At an early stage, the disease is often misdiagnosed on preoperative imaging because of its low prevalence, non-specific initial clinical manifestation, and poorly known radiological characteristics. An early, accurate diagnosis is needed for appropriate surgical management that could result in a good prognosis, reducing the risk of recurrence and morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging is a particularly valuable technique for assessing intravenous leiomyomatosis preoperatively.

Keywords: Intravenous leiomyomatosis; MRI; Uterine leiomyoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyomatosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Leiomyomatosis / pathology
  • Leiomyomatosis / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Uterus / blood supply*
  • Vascular Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vascular Neoplasms / secondary
  • Vascular Neoplasms / surgery