We report a rare case of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) which we attempted to treat by administering the Gn-RH superagonist, buserelin. A 48-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of hypermenorrhea. Hysterectomy revealed a benign leiomyoma. Light and electron microscopic studies revealed that the tumors were composed of well- or poorly-differentiated smooth muscle cells. Their clinical appearance together with the mitotic figures found in tumor sections suggested an uncertain malignant potential. In the immunohistochemical study of intermediate filaments, antidesmin and anti-actin antibody reacted with tumor cells. Tumor re-growth in the pelvic cavity led to a second operation. The administration of the Gn-RH analogue, 900 mu g daily for two months, decreased the tumor size. The average final volume was 68.7% of the original. However, the tumors recurred during the next four weeks. The combined administration of the Gn-RH analogue and etoposide (25 mg x 2/day) did not prevent recurrence after a third operation. The serum level of immune-suppressive acid protein (IAP) was useful in monitoring the clinical course of this patient, finally diagnosed as having LPD.

Related Articles