INTRAVENOUS LEIOMYOMATOSIS - CASE-REPORT

A 49-year-old woman presented with a uterine tumour with solid and cys tic parts, Extension of the tumour into the broad ligament was noted a t the operation with wormlike plugs of tumour within the veins, The hi stological diagnosis of intravenous leiomyomatosis was evident. The di sease turned out to be far advanced: a long continuous intraluminal ma ss extending from the iliac veins to the right ventricle made a second operation with thoracotomy and laparotomy mandatory Postoperative fol low-up showed so far, 1.5 years after operation, no evidence of recurr ence, Intravenous leiomyomatosis is a very uncommon finding. Though it is histologicaly a benign smooth-muscle tumour, the biological behavi our with intravenous growth which may involve the right side of the he art, is quite aggressive. About 100 cases were reported in the literat ure; in no case could the diagnosis be made before surgery.