BACKGROUND:

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign neoplasms in women of reproductive age. In exceptional cases there may be degenerative changes that lead to complications, such as pyomyomas. Their diagnosis is complex. At the beginning, due to the symptoms and radiographic images it can be confused with red degeneration. Recently, magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be useful in inflammatory processes and necrosis.

CLINICAL CASE:

26-year-old patient with pain in the hypogastrium and abnormal uterine bleeding. In the evaluation consultation based on ultrasound, a large myoma was diagnosed. Ten days later the pain increased in intensity. A magnetic resonance imaging study was indicated, which reported the existence of a leiomyoma of 9 cm in its major axis and FIGO classification 2-5. A red degeneration was observed in the diffusion basin. In view of the symptoms and findings, laparoscopic myomectomy was performed and after 24 hours she started with data of systemic inflammatory response that forced her transfer to the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSION:

Due to the low incidence of pyomyomas, this complication is not among the main differential diagnoses for a symptomatic leiomyoma. Nevertheless, due to pelvic pain, sepsis and absence of infectious focus as well as changes suggestive of necrosis and inflammation on MRI, pyomyoma should be highly suspected for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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