No abstract

An intramural venous leiomyosarcoma is a rare, malignant tumour arising from the smooth muscle cells of the vessel wall and the inferior vena cava (IVC) is the most common location. The middle part of IVC is most often affected, often involving the kidneys. There is a strong prediction for women. Clinical symptoms depend upon the size and location of the tumour. Diagnosis is often not made until advanced stage, as the symptoms are non-specific and they present late in the disease course. (Ind J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2008; 24: 261-263)