Angioleiomyoma of the uterus: report of a distinctive benign leiomyoma variant.

ABSTRACT

Angioleiomyoma is a relatively rare type of leiomyoma of the uterus that originates from smooth muscle cells and contains thick-walled vessels. Angioleiomyoma is usually found in the skin of the lower extremities. Uterine angioleiomyoma has similar morphological features to that of the skin. The authors present a case of a 50-year-old woman who was admitted to the present hospital with the complaint of lower abdominal pain. On clinical examination, she was found to have a palpable lower central abdominal mass. Pelvic ultrasound revealed uterine enlargement, multiple small leiomyomas, and a large mass in the myometrium. The patient underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. On histological examination, the mass was diagnosed as angioleiomyoma. Hemangioma, angiofibroma or angiomyofibroblastoma were also included in the differential diagnosis. The treatment of choice for angioleiomyoma is surgical excision, and either angiomyomectomy or simple hysterectomy are proven to be equally effective; the decision depends on the patient's symptoms and her desire to preserve fertility.