Abdominal aortic invasion by leiomyosarcoma

Abstract

We describe a case of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma with extra- and intravascular involvement. The patient presented with abdominal aortic rupture secondary to tumor invasion and extensive tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava. The presence of a rupture of the abdominal aorta is an important radiologic diagnosis to make because early endovascular or surgical repair can prevent a catastrophic free rupture. Inferior vena cava involvement by leiomyosarcoma may be locally resected in some cases but has a poor long-term survival rate.