Gynaecology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Gynaecology, including details on pap smears, laparoscopy, ultrasound, hysteroscopy.

Uterine lipoleiomyoma in an elderly patient: a case report.

Fujiwaki R, Ohnuma H, Miura H, Sawada K

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Matsue Red Cross Hospital, Horo 200, Matsue, 690-8506, Japan, fuji39@circus.ocn.ne.jp.

BACKGROUND: Uterine lipoleiomyoma is a rare, fat-containing, benign tumor. The clinical features and optimal treatment of this tumor remain unclear. CASE: An 80-year-old woman with an extensive cardiac history was referred for assessment of a huge pelvic mass. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a uterine tumor with inhomogeneously high signal intensity. A fat suppression technique showed heterogeneous suppression of the signal intensity, with areas of increased enhancement after Gd-DTPA administration. Hysteroscopy revealed no abnormal findings in the endometrium. She underwent a simple total abdominal hysterectomy, with a preoperative diagnosis of uterine liposarcoma. Histological examination revealed a uterine lipoleiomyoma. Ten days after surgery, she died due to acute non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia. CONCLUSION: In cases where the radiological appearance of a uterine tumor in an elderly patient is suspicious for liposarcoma, the possibility of a benign lipoleiomyoma should be considered. Careful consideration of the patient's preoperative condition and familiarity with uterine fat-containing tumors are essential for determining an optimal therapeutic approach.

Published 1 April 2008 in Arch Gynecol Obstet, 277(5): 471-4.
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