Uterine PEComa initially misdiagnosed as a leiomyoma: Sonographic findings and review of the literature

J Clin Ultrasound. 2021 Jun;49(5):492-497. doi: 10.1002/jcu.22950. Epub 2020 Nov 16.

Abstract

Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumors with malignant potential that arise from gynecological organs in up to 25% of cases. The lack of data regarding the preoperative US features of uterine PEComas is reflected by the frequent misdiagnosis with leiomyomas. We describe the sonographic appearance of a richly vascularized cervical PEComa mimicking a myoma and report the analysis of six additional cases in the literature with a description of their ultrasound features. Most cases involved a single lesion arising from the uterine cervix with a rapid growth pattern, regular margins, heterogeneous echogenicity, absence of shadowing, and moderate-to-rich vascularity.

Keywords: Doppler; leiomyoma; perivascular epithelioid cell tumor; ultrasound; uterus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leiomyoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*