Intravascular Leiomyomatosis and the CT Appearance: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a benign smooth muscle tumor which may cause fatal outcome. Furthermore, the clinical manifestations are variable and nonspecific, typically resulting in misdiagnosis. Computerized Tomography (CT) played a vital role in the diagnostic process and pre-surgical assessment. Here we describe one case of IVL extending from the inferior vena cava to the right atrium and ventricle, then review the literature and discuss the imaging findings and clinical manifestation of this tumor. It is suggestive for clinicians to be aware of this condition and highly suspect a middle-aged woman with a history of uterine leiomyoma presenting with an inferior vena cava filling defect or mass shadow to early diagnose and treat.