Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) in pregnancy with uterine rupture and ongoing abdominal gestation: A case report

A Case Report of Malignant Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumors of the Uterus and Literature Review

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumors originating from perivascular epithelioid cells. In gynecological system, the uterus is one of the most common sites affected by PEComas. Most PEComas are benign, and patients usually have a good prognosis. However, malignant uterus PEComa is rare, and better comprehensive epidemiological investigations are needed. To date, there are a few reported cases of uterus PEComa. We herein report a rare case of malignant PEComa occurred in the uterine corpus and cervix, possibly accompanied by pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (PLAM). In addition, 55 cases of malignant uterus PEComa were picked out and collected in the data base of PubMed and Medline. On the one hand, the age of onset, population distribution, clinical manifestations, metastatic sites and routes of metastasis were analysed. On the other hand, a summary of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatments of uterus PEComa was given.

Systematic analysis of perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms in the female reproductive tract: a comprehensive review

Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal lesions, with gynecological PEComas accounting for just over a quarter of cases. Limited reports exist on gynecological PEComa, primarily treated with surgery; adjuvant therapy is considered in high-risk cases. This systematic review aims to summarize the origin and clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics of uterine PEComa, focusing on treatment options for gynecological PEComa. A comprehensive PubMed review of gynecological PEComa reports was conducted. A detailed examination of the literature ensured a thorough understanding. Gynecological PEComa diagnosis relies on histology and immunology. Despite therapy controversies, surgery remains the mainstay. Adjuvant therapy efficacy in high-risk cases is uncertain. mTOR inhibitors are the first line; alternative treatments, including angiogenesis and aromatase inhibitors, should be considered.

Acute and repeated haemoperitoneum: a challenging case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis with uterine PEComa

A 39-year-old woman presented in the emergency ward for abdominal pain and acute anemiation. Abdominal-thoracic CT scan showed haemoperitoneum, with a parauterine mass and a pathological pulmonary pattern suspicious for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a systemic disease belonging to perivascular epithelioid cell tumours (PEComas). Gynaecological ultrasound showed a hypoechoic irregular solid mass of the uterine right wall. Ultrasonographic virtual organ computer-aided analysis showed the mass completely formed by arteriovenous vessels, and that allowed distinction from leiomyosarcoma. Repeated haemoperitoneum required uterine artery embolisation. Mass revascularisation occurred in the following 7 days. A laparotomic hysterectomy with removal of the uterus and right parametrium was performed in epidural analgesia. Histological features were consistent with the diagnosis of uterine PEComa of uncertain malignant features, in the presence of coexisting pulmonary LAM. In women with LAM, acute haemoperitoneum may indicate the presence of a uterine PEComa whose diagnosis can be challenging.

Pregnancy-Associated Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor of the Tarsal Navicular: A Case Report

CASE

A 30-year-old pregnant woman with perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of the tarsal navicular underwent intralesional curettage with allograft at 30 weeks' gestation. She had an uncomplicated delivery at term and is ambulating without tumor recurrence at 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PEComas are rare tumors most commonly found in soft tissues but have been reported in bone and are occasionally associated with pregnancy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of pregnancy-associated PEComa of bone.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) of the gynecologic tract

PEComas of the female genital tract are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that are most common in the uterus, but also may occur in other gynecologic locations. As they morphologically and immunohistochemically resemble smooth muscle tumors, distinction between the two entities is often challenging, and may be aided by molecular analysis. Thus far, two distinct molecular groups-classic PEComas with TSC mutations and TFE3-translocation associated PEComas with TFE3 fusions have been described. Recognition of the first group is imperative as these patients may benefit from targeted therapy with mTOR inhibitors, if malignant. This review will focus on recognition of the morphologic and immunophenotypic features of PEComas, as well as the role of molecular testing in their diagnosis and treatment, analysis of the different algorithms to predict behavior, and differential diagnosis.

Ultrasound Features of a Uterine Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor (PEComa): Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal tumors. One of the most frequent localizations of PEComas is the female genitourinary tract, and the uterus is the most involved site after the kidney. Correct preoperative diagnosis is rarely achieved due to the presence of nonspecific imaging features. We report a case of a uterine PEComa with particular reference to ultrasound’s role in characterizing this rare occurrence. Case presentation: a 45-year-old White woman came to our observation for cyclic abdominopelvic pain and chronic constipation. The pre-surgical ultrasound examination showed a heterogeneous tumor that was 4 cm in size, localized on the right anterolateral uterine wall. The mass had well-delimited borders and a central hypoechoic portion. The use of color Doppler showed a rich, irregular vasculature in the center with low impedance. The preoperative diagnostic hypothesis was of a smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential. After careful counseling, a surgical approach was decided upon, including a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy. The histological and phenotypical features were consistent with a uterine PEComa. At the last follow-up, two years after surgery, the patient is alive and well. Conclusions: Uterine PEComa is a rare occurrence that should be included in the differential diagnosis of uterine wall tumors. It can appear as a small uterine mass with heterogeneous echogenicity and a rich vascular pattern during an ultrasound evaluation. This diagnostic suspicion may assist in better surgical planning.