Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis detected incidentally at caesarian section

Abstract

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis is a rare condition characterised by scattered benign smooth muscle tumour nodules over the peritoneal surfaces of the abdomen or pelvis. This condition is histologically and clinically benign, however it can macroscopi-cally mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis. Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis is associated with pregnancy and other hyperoes-trogenic states, previous laparoscopic surgery and uterine leio-myomata. Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis commonly regresses after pregnancy, but rarely it can undergo malignancy transformation, regress or recur. We describe a case of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis detected incidentally at emergency lower uterine segment caesarian section delivery in a woman with a history of uterine leiomyomata. A partial omentectomy was performed and histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis. Although the exact aetiology of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis is unknown, this report of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis further supports the theory that disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis occurs secondary to pregnancy and uterine leiomyomata. Benign leiomyomatosis is rare and should be considered in a pregnant patient with multiple peritoneal nodules and a history of uterine leiomyomata.