Abdominal Wall Desmoid during Pregnancy: Diagnostic Challenges
Johnny Awwad1, Nadine Hammoud, Chantal Farra
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 113-6044, Beirut, Lebanon.
Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|January 25, 2013
Summary
Pregnancy-associated desmoid tumors can rapidly grow and mimic uterine fibroids on ultrasound. Early consideration of desmoids is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of abdominal wall masses during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pathology
Background:
- Desmoid tumors are benign neoplasms characterized by local invasiveness without metastatic potential.
- Pregnancy-associated desmoid tumors are rare, presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Anterior abdominal wall masses during pregnancy require careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight a rare case of pregnancy-associated desmoid tumor.
- To emphasize diagnostic challenges in differentiating desmoid tumors from other abdominal masses during pregnancy.
- To underscore the importance of considering uncommon diagnoses in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 40-year-old pregnant woman with a rapidly growing anterior abdominal wall mass.
- Initial misdiagnosis based on ultrasound findings suggesting a uterine leiomyoma.
- Definitive diagnosis and treatment via radical resection following abdominal delivery.
Main Results:
- The anterior abdominal wall mass exhibited rapid growth during pregnancy.
- Imaging characteristics (well-delineated, smooth margins) were noted.
- Histopathological examination confirmed a desmoid tumor post-resection.
Conclusions:
- Desmoid tumors should be considered in pregnant patients with progressively growing abdominal wall masses, even with imaging suggesting benign uterine conditions.
- Diagnostic limitations of imaging techniques necessitate a broad differential diagnosis.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is vital for appropriate management of pregnancy-associated desmoid tumors.
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