[Leiomyomas of the duodenum (author's transl)]

The authors report a case of leiomyoma of the second part of the duodenum and note in the light of 55 cases in the literature, the main characteristics of this tumour including digestive hemorrhage, especially melena, which is the commonest mode of presentation. They compare it with other muscle tumours, e.g. sarcoma and myoid tumours. A barium meal and eventually superior mesenteric arteriography are the two main aids in diagnosis which remains by chance in 15% of cases. The volume of the tumour, the intimacy of its relations with the bile ducts influence the choice of surgery. The risk of hemorrhage and the histological uncertainty almost always lead to surgical operation.