MR imaging findings of unusual leiomyoma and malignant uterine myometrial tumors: what the radiologist should know

Jpn J Radiol. 2021 Jun;39(6):527-539. doi: 10.1007/s11604-021-01096-7. Epub 2021 Jan 31.

Abstract

Uterine sarcomas account for less than 1% of gynecological malignancies and 2-5% of all uterine malignancies. Such sarcomas mainly include leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). Additionally, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) and endometrial carcinoma arising in adenomyosis can occur as uterine myometrial tumors. Their differentiation from leiomyoma (LM), particularly degenerated LM and the malignant tumors, is challenging, but preoperative diagnosis is very important for the patient's management. We demonstrate the useful and compulsory findings to differentiate between uterine myometrial malignant tumors and degenerated LM with an unusual appearance.

Keywords: Leiomyoma; Leiomyosarcoma; Magnetic resonance imaging; Uterine; Uterus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Leiomyoma / pathology
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Myometrium / diagnostic imaging
  • Myometrium / pathology
  • Radiologists
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterus / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterus / pathology