Intravenous leiomyomatosis with right atrium extension in two patients: A case report

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a rare benign tumor of the uterus mesoderm, which can spread via the vein, from the micro-vein to the inferior vena cava, and even to the right atrium. IVL was first described this disease in 1896 and the first presented case of IVL with right atrium extension in the autopsy was described in 1907. On rare occasions, the tumors may extend into the regional and systemic veins, thus reaching the heart. This may subsequently cause intracardiac leiomyomatosis (ICL), which may lead to congestive heart failure and on occasion, sudden fatalities. Due to its rarity and diffuse symptoms, the misdiagnosis of ICL is common and as a result, the condition may be under-reported. The present study reported two cases of IVL resected at the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Command. A hysteromyomectomy for uterine fibroids was performed on each patient (Case 1, 41 years ago; Case 2, 3 years ago). One patient presented with chest pain following a period of activity and the other presented with heart neoplasm during a routine health examination.