Disseminated Peritoneal Leiomyomatosis Masquerading as Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL), also known as leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata, is a rare benign disease characterized by the presence of multiple leiomyomas scattered throughout the entire peritoneal cavity. Clinically as well as radiologically, the condition is often misdiagnosed as a malignant disease, with the most common differential diagnosis being peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Case:

A 31-year-old nulliparous woman presented with complaints of abdominal fullness, lower abdominal pain, and awareness of a mass in her abdomen. On ultrasonography, there was a large pelvic mass compressing the uterus from behind it. In addition, there was a separate mass anterior to the uterus and the peritoneum was diffusely involved in multiple nodular lesions. She underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, and excision of the nodular deposits.

Results:

A subsequent histopathologic examination revealed a diagnosis of DPL.

Conclusions:

A high index of clinical suspicion and awareness of the characteristic histopathologic features of this entity is important for an accurate diagnosis. A possibility of DPL needs to be considered while evaluating young women with multifocal peritoneal nodules.