Retroperitoneal leiomyoma with periorbital and peripheral edema

Removal of a large retroperitoneal leiomyoma from a 51-year-old woman resulted in complete resolution of periorbital edema and pitting edema of the hands and feet from which she had suffered for 8 months. Cardiac, renal and dietary studies gave normal results. The diagnosis of leiomyoma, which is uncommon in the retroperitoneal region, was supported by the findings on light and electron microscopy. The patient remains asymptomatic after 3 years. The association of such widespread edema with a retroperitoneal tumour is rare; the cause is unknown.