A Case of Giant Peritoneal Loose Bodies Mimicking Calcified Leiomyoma Originating from the Rectum

Abstract

Two giant peritoneal loose bodies were found in the pelvis in a 79-year-old man. These bodies were demonstrated by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to be well circumscribed masses and to have marked calcification in their central portion. Preoperatively, these bodies had been diagnosed as a calcified leiomyoma originating from the rectum; however, surgery revealed these lesions to be detached appendices epiploica. Histological examination showed that these peritoneal loose bodies consisted of thin layers of eosinophilic substance and had no cellular component. Small peritoneal loose bodies are occasionally found during laparotomy, but such large ones measuring 6 cm are very rare. In our case, accurate diagnosis could not be obtained preoperatively, because these loose bodies mimicked calcified leiomyoma of the rectum.

CT diagnosis of a large peritoneal loose body: a case report and review of the literature

“…The size of the mass is variable ranging from 3 to 9.5 cm. The loose body is generally a single mass, but two large loose bodies have also been reported [2,13].…”

Giant Peritoneal Loose Body: A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Loose bodies tend to migrate into the pelvis and can be mistaken radio graphically for a dermoid, teratoma, leiomyoma, calcified uterine fibroid, ovarian cyst or tubercular granuloma [5]. CT imaging often reveals a concentric round or oval, well-defined mass with central calcification, surrounded by a peripheral soft tissue density.…”

Endoscopic extraction of a peritoneal loose body: a case report of an infant

“…These free bodies are occasionally discovered at operation and during routine autopsy [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. The most common origin of the loose bodies is appendix epiploica [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14], and some authors have also suggested that large loose bodies can be formed by an accumulation of peritoneal serum to the appendix epiploica [13]. In the case of chronic torsion of appendix epiploica, the blood supply is shut off; thereafter, saponification and calcification of the fat contents occur, and the pedicle atrophies.…”