"Pseudosarcoma" in a pregnant woman

Area of Science:

• Vascular Pathology
• Histopathology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Intravascular fasciitis (IVF) is a rare benign condition characterized by myofibroblastic proliferation involving arteries and/or veins.
• It is a distinct variant of nodular fasciitis, differing by the presence of vascular invasion.
• Only 26 cases of IVF have been previously reported in the literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of intravascular fasciitis (IVF) in a pregnant patient.
• To explore the potential role of pregnancy-related hormonal changes in the pathogenesis of IVF.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 16-week pregnant patient with IVF.
• Clinical and histological evaluation of the lesion affecting the hypothenar eminence and ulnar artery.

Main Results:

• The case presented a reactive myofibroblastic proliferation involving the ulnar artery in the hypothenar eminence.
• Histological features mimicked malignancy, highlighting diagnostic challenges.

Conclusions:

• The vascular involvement in IVF can be mistaken for malignancy, leading to misdiagnosis of this benign condition.
• Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy may contribute to the development of intravascular fasciitis.