Value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of pyomyoma

Abstract

Pyomyomas are rare lesions that develop from the suppurative degeneration of ischemic leiomyomas. Pyomyomas can lead to sepsis, so early diagnosis is crucial. Due to their rarity and often nonspecific findings on ultrasonography and computed tomography diagnosis is often delayed. We present a case of a woman who presented with abdominal pain and fever. The computed tomography showed a large hypodense uterine lesion with slight peripheral enhancement without gas in the lesion. The diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed restricted diffusion, demonstrating the presence of pus and confirming the diagnosis of pyomyoma. Diffusion-weighted imaging should be done in cases of suspected pyomyomas when computed tomography findings are nonspecific.

Keywords

• Pyomyoma
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Pelvic MRI, Women's imaging