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Updated: Jan 8, 2026
05:37
Stenosis of the Inferior Vena Cava: A Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Published on: December 22, 2017
25.7K
Vascular Leiomyosarcoma Masquerading as Chronic Deep Venous Thrombosis
Isabella Phillips1, Jason Chen1, Mohammed Milhem2
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|December 11, 2025
Summary
A rare leg tumor mimicking deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was diagnosed using advanced imaging and biopsy. This leiomyosarcoma highlights the need for thorough investigation of vascular masses.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Pathology
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common condition often presenting with leg pain.
- Intravascular malignancies are rare but can mimic venous thromboembolism.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of intravascular leiomyosarcoma mimicking DVT.
- To emphasize the role of multimodal imaging in diagnosing vascular tumors.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and importance of biopsy.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 78-year-old man with leg pain and dyspnea.
- Utilized computed tomography angiography (CTA), 18F-FDG PET, duplex ultrasound, and MRI.
- Performed histopathological biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
Main Results:
- CTA excluded pulmonary embolism but showed pulmonary nodules.
- FDG-PET and ultrasound identified intensely FDG-avid intraluminal masses in leg veins.
- Biopsy confirmed high-grade leiomyosarcoma with positive smooth muscle actin (SMA) and desmin staining.
Conclusions:
- Intravascular leiomyosarcoma can present atypically, mimicking DVT.
- Multimodal imaging is essential for characterizing intraluminal vascular lesions.
- Biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing intravascular malignancies.
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