Vaginal expulsion of a submucosal myoma during treatment with long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist

Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jun;45(2):173-5. doi: 10.1016/S1028-4559(09)60220-5.

Abstract

Objective: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH agonist) therapy has been useful as an adjunct before myomectomy or hysterectomy for uterine myoma.

Case report: A 26-year-old woman without sexual exposure was diagnosed with a submucosal myoma and treated with long-acting GnRH agonist. This patient exhibited heavy menstruation and severe anemia for 2 years and consulted our outpatient department. Transabdominal ultrasound demonstrated a 3.5-cm submucosal myoma within the endometrial cavity. The patient showed a marked suppression of serum estradiol concentrations throughout the treatment (< 20 pg/mL at the second dose injection). The volume of the uterus and uterine myoma decreased to two-thirds of the original size at the end of the second dose injection. However, a sudden onset of severe abdominal cramping pain occurred on the 76th day and a ping-pong sized mass was expelled from the vagina. She visited our outpatient department for evaluation, where ultrasound failed to detect the previous submucosal uterine myoma. A 3-year follow-up has been uneventful.

Conclusion: Spontaneous expulsion of submucosal myomas might occur after the administration of GnRH agonist; hence, it may be an acceptable alternative for symptomatic females without sexual exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / agonists*
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterine Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Vagina

Substances

  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone