Leiomiomatosis intravenosa

objetive: recognize intravenous leiomyomatosis as an unusual variety of leiomioma. method: three cases corresponding to histerectomy specimens from the archives of the gynecologic pathology section of the anatomic pathology institute at the central university of venezuela in the period comprised between 1983 and 2004. hematoxilin - eosin stain, gomori trichrome special stain and immunohistochemistry was perfomed on all three cases. setting: anatomic pathology institute at the central university of venezuela results: gross examination revealed a multinodular cut surface with the formation of tangled balls and thick trabeculae. histology revealed a proliferation of splindle cells similar to miometrial cells within the venous vascular spaces. denegerative changes, atipia or mitotic figures were not observed. with the trichome stain the intersticial collagenous component was demostrated and the fibroblastic etiology of the neoplasia was discarded. immunohistochemistry confirmed the muscular origen. conclusions: intravenous leiomyomatosis is considered a neoplasia of uncertain malignant potential, that imitates malignant neoplasias in growth pattern and extension; hence it requires histologic differentiation. due to the possibility of recurrence, follow up is recommended.