Parasitic leiomyoma: a diagnostic dilemma. A case report

Leiomyomata (uterine fibroids) are the most common tumours of the female pelvis. Presentation of most cases of fibroids are usually straightforward making diagnosis and management easy. However, when they undergo various kinds of pathologic changes, they pose both diagnostic and management difficulties. This article presents a rare case of a large degenerated parasitic leiomyoma in the peritoneal cavity deriving its blood supply from the omentum and attached to a normal looking uterus by a narrow avascular stalk. Ultrasound, x-ray and physical examination did not help with the diagnosis. It was at laparatomy that the diagnosis was made and later confirmed by histological examination.