[Giant leiomyoma of the inferior vena cava]

The authors report an uncommon case of giant leiomyoma of the inferior vena cava with intracardiac extension and arising from the external iliac vena. This case report illustrates the diagnostical problems usually encountered with this type of tumour. Indeed, despite ultrasound and transverse CT scan, the diagnosis was only assessed by histopathological analysis following a successful surgical removal of the leiomyoma. Only 7 cases of leiomyoma of the inferior vena cava are already reported in the literature. Relationship with intravenous leiomyomatosis of the uterus is also discussed.