Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata in a pregnant woman.
BACKGROUND
Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a rare disease occurring as intraabdominal benign tumors. The underlying mechanism of LPD development in premenopausal females is still unknown, but high levels of estrogen and progesterone seem to play a major role.


METHODS
We present a case of a 29-year-old gravida 1, 22 6/7 weeks of gestation with symptoms of an acute abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound and MRI showed intraabdominal masses of uncertain origin most likely to be an extreme example of pseudomyxoma peritonei. Explorative laparotomy was performed, and histopathological analysis revealed benign tumors classified as leiomyomatosis. A cesarean section was performed due to increasing abdominal pain and excessive elevated inflammatory serum parameters. Postpartum, a spontaneous regression of the LPD was marked.


CONCLUSIONS
LPD is a rare disease of young women. Excessive hormonal exposure seems to play a major role. Diagnosis is often difficult and a histopathological analysis is needed.
Summa
Birte
B
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold Heller Strasse 3, Kiel, Germany.
Schem
Christian
C
Weigel
Marion
M
Strauss
Alexander
A
Jonat
Walter
W
Maass
Nicolai
N
Schäfer
Fritz
F
Bauerschlag
Dirk O
DO
D000008:Abdominal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D018231:Leiomyomatosis / Q000150:complications*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic