Sonographic evaluation of a uterine angiolipoleiomyoma

• Published in: Journal of clinical ultrasound Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 241 - 244
• Main Authors: Braun, Heidi L., Wheelock, John B., Amaker, Barbara H., Seeds, John W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01-05-2002; Wiley
• Subjects: Aged; angiolipoleiomyoma; Angiomyolipoma - diagnosis; Angiomyolipoma - diagnostic imaging; Angiomyolipoma - surgery; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnosis, Differential; Digestive system. Abdomen; Female; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Leiomyoma - diagnostic imaging; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; neoplasm; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonic investigative techniques; Ultrasonography; Uterine Neoplasms - diagnosis; Uterine Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Uterine Neoplasms - surgery; uterus; Sonography; Human; Leiomyoma; Cardiovascular disease; Smooth muscle; Female genital diseases; Angiolipoma; Vascular disease; Case study; Pathology; Angioma; Histopathology; Uterus; Echography; Uterine diseases; Adult; Female; Benign neoplasm; Diagnosis
• ISSN: 0091-2751; 1097-0096
• DOI: 10.1002/jcu.10057

We report the case of a 51‐year‐old postmenopausal woman with an angiolipoleiomyoma, a rare mesenchymal uterine tumor, and describe its sonographic appearance. The clinical presentation of these invariably benign tumors often mimics that of uterine leiomyomas, making angiolipoleiomyomas difficult to diagnose correctly before histopathologic evaluation. In this case, sonography performed to determine the cause of the patient's vaginal bleeding showed a sharply marginated, brightly echogenic solid mass adjacent to the echogenic endometrium, without associated shadowing. Histopathologic examination revealed that this tumor was composed of smooth muscle, adipose tissue, fibrous connective tissue, and blood vessels. These sonographic findings, which are unusual for tumors of the uterus, suggest the diagnosis of angiolipoleiomyoma. Accurate diagnosis of these benign tumors could prevent patients from undergoing surgery and would allow appropriate counseling of patients. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30: 241–244, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.10057