Lower Extremity Varicose Veins: An Unusual Presentation of Small Bowel Leiomyosarcoma
Karim Abou El Joud1, Misha Abbasi1
1Internal Medicine, Advocate Aurora Health/Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Abstract:
Leiomyosarcomas (LMSs) are extremely rare and comprise only 1.2% of small bowel malignancies. Advancements in immunohistochemical techniques have allowed for the differentiation between LMSs and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. LMSs remain difficult to detect via endoscopy and require a more intricate diagnostic approach. The staging and sizing of these tumors are important prognostic indicators. We report a case of a 67-year-old male who presented with bulging lower extremity veins, abdominal bloating, and weight loss. A CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a pelvic mass arising from the small bowel and a metastatic hepatic lesion, which was found to be compressing the inferior vena cava. A biopsy of the hepatic lesion confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic LMS.
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