[Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis with malignant degeneration. A case report]

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD), is a rare condition of unknown cause, characterized by the development of numerous nodules throughout the peritoneal cavity which appear during reproductive age, especially with pregnancy or associated with prolonged exposure to oral contraceptive agents. Histologically the nodules have the appearance of benign leiomyomata. LPD is thought to have originated from metaplasia of submesothelial multipotential mesenchymal cells. The treatment of the this disorder has been surgical castration, presumably to remove the hormonal stimulus necessary for tumor growth. Only two cases of malignant leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata have been reported. We report one more case of LPD with malignant degeneration which appears to be extremely rare.