Abstract
Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a rare disease characterized by the development of multiple subperitoneal leiomyomas, which are widespread in the peritoneal cavity. Of the previously reported LPD cases, nine patients were pregnant, two were on oral contraceptives and one had a granulosa-cell tumor. The thirteenth documented case is presented here (this patient had been on oral contraceptives for 13 years). Thus, hormonal factors might be involved in the pathogenesis of LPD. Controversy prevails as regards the cellular origin of LPD. The disorder has a grossly malignant appearance, but has a benign histology and a favorable prognosis; so a correct diagnosis is imperative. In almost all the previously reported LPD patients, hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy have been performed, but salpingo-oophorectomy is probably unnessesary, at least in premenopausal patients.