title: Red degeneration of a leiomyoma masquerading as retained products of conception.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The incidence of leiomyomas in pregnancy is approximately 1%. Their presence has been linked to spontaneous abortion, premature labor, soft tissue dystocia, uterine inertia, fetopelvic disproportion, malposition of the fetus, retention of the placenta, and postpartum hemorrhage.
  
  
  METHODS
  This case report documents a seldom-described event of a submucous leiomyoma masquerading as retained products of conception. The patient presented 4 weeks postpartum with complaints of urinary retention and heavy bleeding with cramping. Examination revealed a large mass resembling placental tissue filling the vaginal vault. The necrotic mass was removed with blunt and sharp dissection. The final pathology report revealed a degenerating leiomyoma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complicating factors associated with this fibroid included a history of spontaneous abortion and preterm labor, as well as fetal malpresentation and carneous degeneration of the leiomyoma. Gestational myomas, although rare, can have an unusual appearance that may be misinterpreted.
authors.affiliation: Woodhull Medical Center, Brooklyn New York 11206, USA.
authors.forename: Tina C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D018457:Placenta, Retained / Q000175:diagnosis*; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*