Intravenous leiomyomatosis with cardiac involvement: clinicopathological and molecular insights including fumarate hydratase deficiency

AIMS: The objective of this study was to explore the clinical diagnostic indicators and treatment approaches for intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), particularly when it extends into the inferior vena cava and the right heart system. METHODS: Nine patients with IVL admitted to our hospital were enrolled in this study. The ultrasonographic, CT, MRI, pathological findings and surgical details of these patients were comprehensively analysed. All patients underwent surgical procedures. Postoperative pathological examination confirmed the presence of IVL, along with intramural leiomyoma of the uterus. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, Desmin, Caldesmon, oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor were highly positive. The Ki-67 index of most specimens was <3%, except for case 4. In case 4, which invaded the right atrium, the Ki-67 index ranged from 2% to 5%. Through molecular testing, this case with extension to the right atrium and inferior vena cava was identified as intraventricular smooth muscle neoplasia with fumarate hydratase deficiency. No copy number variation mutations were detected in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although IVL is a rare histologically benign tumour, it exhibits the capacity to infiltrate cardiac chambers and pulmonary vasculature. Therefore, early diagnosis via imaging techniques, precise assessment of the extent of intravenous leiomyoma involvement, complete lesion resection and perioperative administration of anti-oestrogen medications are pivotal for enhancing patient prognosis. Additionally, for cases with atypical nuclei or high Ki-67 levels, multidisciplinary collaboration is required to personalised treatment.