Bladder leiomyoma and the utility of ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography - a Case Report

Bladder leiomyomas are rare neoplasms and various diagnostic methods are available to assist in confirming diagnosis preoperatively. Presented here is a case of bladder leiomyoma in a 41-year-old female who presented with urinary symptoms and right thigh pain. Imaging revealed a soft tissue density mass in the bladder wall. However concerns of a leiomyosarcoma remained. An ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) demonstrated low FDG uptake and absence of metastatic lesions. In combination with operative findings, the tumor allowed for localized resection instead of more invasive partial cystectomy. Therefore, FDG-PET might be used to support the diagnosis of leiomyoma and potentially facilitate a less aggressive surgical management.