Sarcoidosis in a uterine leiomyoma

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous condition of unknown etiology. Though the lung and lymph nodes are most commonly involved, other organs may also be affected. Involvement of the female reproductive system is very uncommon and usually has been found in the endometrium or myometrium. A case is described of a 43-year-old nulligravida who presented for evaluation of a dry cough and who was found to have a pelvic mass. Preoperative evaluation revealed the presence of pulmonary sarcoidosis. At the time of exploratory laparotomy, a large, pedunculated fibroid was resected along with an inflammatory cyst. Histopathologic examination revealed the presence of sarcoid lesions within the fibroid. This is the first report of such a finding, and the implications are discussed.