DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING OF A GIANT MYOMA OF THE UTERUS
In the last decade the amount of diagnostic imaging radiology equipment in medical institutions in the country has significantly increased. Not only large medical centres and capital cities hospitals but also other towns’ and administrative territories’ are now equipped with modern x-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI scanners. It had significantly expanded the spectrum of diagnostic imaging use in various clinical disciplines. Radiologists and other doctors, usually facing the choice of appropriate diagnostic algorithm from the perspective of informative or economic efficiency of imaging modalities, are not always ready for these conditions. Therefore, research works dedicated to detailed description of disease, current methods of diagnostics and treatment are highly appreciated. Myoma of the uterus is the most common benign tumor of the female reproductive system. We review etiology and pathogenesis, morphology and classification, clinical presentation and diagnosis of uterine myoma. A case of an exceedingly rare variant of this disease is presented - the giant myoma. It was masquerading as an abdominal tumor on ultrasound but was correctly diagnosed with MRI. We discuss diagnostic signs as well as advantages and limitations of the two methods. The diagnosis was verified by pathology following a total abdominal hysterectomy.