Uterine angioleiomyoma – a rare variant of uterine leiomyoma: review of literature and case reports

Introduction: Uterine angioleiomyoma (AL) is an extremely rare variant of uterine leiomyoma. It is composed of smooth muscle cells and thick-walled blood vessels. Angioleiomyoma usually occurs in middle-aged women, 40-60 years old. Aim of the study was to review of literature research reports on uterine AL. Discussion of nine case reports of uterine AL in the patients operated on in our ward.

Material and methods: The paper presents analysis of accessible research reports on uterine AL, and medical records of the patients operated on in our ward.

Results: Mean age of the patients with uterine AL was 47.11 ±5.21, body mass index (BMI) 25.88 ±3.95. All women had given birth (1-5 natural deliveries, 2.44 mean). Uterine AL occurred in 0.34% to 0.40% cases of leiomyomas. Angioleiomyoma were located intramurally and subserosally in six and three patients (respectively, 66.7% and 33.3%). Laparotomy was undertaken in seven cases (77.8%), transvaginal access in two cases (22.2%), and myomectomy in one case (11.1%). Blood transfusion was required in four cases (44.4%).

Conclusions: In the group of uterine leiomyomas, uterine ALs occurred in 0.34-0.40% of cases. Angioleiomyoma cases posed a greater risk of complications threatening the patient’s health and life. Preoperative differentiation of AL with ovarian tumour was more difficult due to frequent degenerative lesions in the course of uterine AL.