Benign Metastasizing Leiomyomas Following Myomectomy and Uterine Artery Embolization

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2017 Nov;40(11):1796-1799. doi: 10.1007/s00270-017-1696-z. Epub 2017 May 23.

Abstract

Benign metastasizing leiomyomas (BMLs) are rare sequelae of common uterine leiomyomas and most frequently found in the lungs. Most cases of BMLs occur with a history of prior gynecologic procedures; however, none have yet been reported in association with uterine artery embolization (UAE). This case report highlights the disease course for a 48-yo female with a history of both myomectomy and UAE for uterine fibroids who presented later with bilateral pulmonary BMLs. Though the pathophysiology of BMLs is poorly understood and this case is confounded by prior myomectomy, it does bring into question whether UAE has a role in BML development. Regardless, UAEs have become a routine procedure and interventionalists should be aware of the possibility of BMLs in post-fibroid treatment patient populations.

Keywords: Benign metastasizing leiomyoma; Pulmonary nodules; Uterine fibroid embolization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / pathology*
  • Leiomyoma / therapy*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Artery Embolization / methods*
  • Uterine Myomectomy*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / therapy*