Submucosal uterine leiomyoma with complete cystic degeneration mimicking an empty gestational sac: a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

Submucosal uterine leiomyoma with complete cystic degeneration mimicking an empty gestational sac: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Shunlin Lin

  • Di An

  • Zihua Xu

  • June 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Cystic Degeneration of Submucosal Uterine Leiomyoma

Background

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women, with submucosal variants posing unique diagnostic challenges. Cystic degeneration of these tumors is rare and can lead to misinterpretation as pregnancy-related conditions. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and treatment.

Data Highlights

MeasurementValue
Lesion Size65 mm × 45 mm
Ki-67 IndexNear 5%
PHH3-positive CellsScarce

Key Findings

  • A 42-year-old woman presented with irregular vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.
  • Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a large unilocular cystic lesion in the uterine cavity.
  • Negative serum b2-hCG testing was pivotal in ruling out anembryonic pregnancy.
  • Hysteroscopy confirmed a giant cystic tumor, which was excised and diagnosed as a degenerated submucosal leiomyoma based on histopathological evaluation.
  • Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for SMA, Desmin, h-Caldesmon, CD10, and FH.
  • Follow-up imaging at 3 months showed no recurrence.

Clinical Implications

Cystic submucosal leiomyomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of intracavitary cystic lesions, particularly when imaging suggests an empty gestational sac. Hysteroscopy is essential for both diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the diagnostic complexity of cystic submucosal leiomyomas and the critical role of histopathological evaluation in confirming the diagnosis.

Related Resources & Content

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  5. ACOG, ACOG, 2021 -- Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas
  6. Frontiers in Oncology — Laparoscopic transabdominal approach for radical excision of low-lying presacral cyst: a case report and narrative mini−review
  7. Uterine Leiomyomas Overview
  8. Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas | ACOG
  9. Uterine artery embolization vs myomectomy for the management of women with uterine leiomyomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect

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