Case report: MR imaging features of disseminated uterine leiomyosarcoma presenting after hysterectomy with morcellation

Abdom Imaging. 2015 Oct;40(7):2600-5. doi: 10.1007/s00261-015-0486-9.

Abstract

A 53-year-old woman underwent elective hysterectomy for symptomatic anemia secondary to abnormal uterine bleeding. She presented 15 months later with complaints of abdominal fullness. Abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated multiple confluent enhancing solid masses centered in the pelvis and extending cranially to the level of the umbilicus. Additional separate nodules also were visible along the peritoneum. Biopsy demonstrated leiomyosarcoma. Additional clinical information was obtained, which revealed that the patient's prior hysterectomy was performed with morcellation. In November 2014, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a warning discouraging the use of morcellation during hysterectomy and myomectomy because of the risk of seeding unsuspected malignancy. Radiologists should be aware of this potential complication of morcellation and its imaging appearance so that the correct diagnosis can be suggested in the imaging report.

Keywords: Leiomyoma; Leiomyosarcoma; Magnetic resonance imaging; Morcellation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy*
  • Leiomyosarcoma / pathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Morcellation*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology*