Obstructive shock in a 47 year old female with a deep venous thrombosis due to intravascular leiomyomatosis: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Intra cardiac tumours and tumour thrombi can present in a manner resembling a massive pulmonary embolism. Intravascular leiomyomatosis with intracardiac extension is one such rare tumour. Survival from obstructive shock in this condition has not been previously reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A case is presented of a female who presented with recurrent syncope, cyanosis and then circulatory shock. An intravascular and intracardiac mass was suspected. Due to refractory shock, she ultimately underwent single stage median sternotomy and exploratory laparotomy, with excision of an intravascular leiomyoma. CONCLUSION: Intravascular leiomyoma with intracardiac extension should be suspected in the differential diagnosis of a female with a history of uterine fibroids or hysterectomy and presenting with right heart obstructive symptoms.