Torsion of a pedunculated subserous leiomyoma: a case report of a rare cause of acute abdominal pain in a pregnant woman

Abstract

Background: Acute onset abdominal pain through the pedunculated leiomyoma torsion is a rather uncommon presentation and a rare source of acute abdominal pain in the emergency department during pregnancy. Due to its rarity, this condition is not always considered, leading sometimes to inappropriate or unnecessary therapeutic approaches. Given that there are no specific clinical findings, radiological examination represents a fundamental tool for achieving the correct diagnosis. Pelvic ultrasound is usually the first imaging approach, but MRI is recommended for further evaluation, showing high diagnostic accuracy. Case presentation: A 35-year-old primigravid woman presented at the gynecological emergency department at 21 weeks of gestation, with a complaint of sudden onset of strong intensity right abdominal pain. Vital signs and blood test results were normal. A pelvic ultrasound was requested and showed a heterogeneous pelvic mass in the right lower quadrant, between the uterine body and the right ovary (which was not enlarged and presented normal venous and arterial blood flow) raising the suspicion of a right ovary tumor or an exophytic uterine tumor. An MRI was performed and revealed a well-defined and heterogeneous mass, with predominantly high signal intensity on T2-weighted images (WI) with and without fat saturation and with hyperintense areas on axial T1WI; the presence of bridging vessels in the interface between the tumor and the uterus was also demonstrated-the "bridging vessel sign." The tumor presented restricted diffusion with high signal intensity on axial diffusionweighted imaging (b1000) and low signal intensity on the axial ADC map. The set of MR imaging features was consistent with the torsion of a pedunculated subserosal uterine leiomyoma with hemorrhagic necrosis. A successful conservative approach was the first-option treatment, with no further surgical intervention. Conclusion: The torsion of a pedunculated subserous leiomyoma should be considered in a pregnant woman with acute onset abdominal pain. The correct diagnosis, based on clinical and radiological findings, is essential for good outcomes concerning maternal and fetal well-being, allowing the safest and most appropriate treatment. A conservative approach seems to be a safe and appropriate first-option treatment to this condition.

Hemoperitoneum as a result of bleeding from a vein lying on the capsule of subserous leiomyoma of uterus (Clinical case)

“…Систематичні огляди літератури продемонстрували, що міомектомія була кращим втручанням порівняно з гістеректомією, позаяк такий об'єм операції знижує поширеність шоку, крововтрати у пацієнток [9,14,17].…”

Torsion of a Pedunculated Subserosal Leiomyoma: A Rare Cause of Acute Abdominal Pain

“…Torsion of a pedunculated leiomyoma is considered an emergency due to the risk of ischemic gangrene and reactive peritonitis [4]. Since it is difficult to diagnose a twisted pedunculated leiomyoma solely on the basis of clinical findings, the judicious use of radiological imaging becomes a fundamental tool for achieving a precise diagnosis [5]. The first line of radiological imaging technique in such cases is ultrasonography.…”