Smooth muscle within ovarian decidual nodules: a link to leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata?

Evidence is presented for the coexistence of smooth muscle and decidual cells in nodules on and within the ovarian tunica albuginea at term. Routine histologic techniques and electron microscopy have been employed in characterizing the morphology of the nodules. Recent literature concerning the freq...

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Published inObstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953) Vol. 53; no. 4; p. 451
Main Authors Herr, J C, Platz, C E, Heidger, Jr, P M, Curet, L B
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.04.1979
Subjects
Decidua - pathology
Decidua - ultrastructure
Female
Humans
Leiomyoma - etiology
Leiomyoma - pathology
Muscle, Smooth - pathology
Muscle, Smooth - ultrastructure
Ovary - pathology
Peritoneal Neoplasms - etiology
Peritoneal Neoplasms - pathology
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
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Summary:Evidence is presented for the coexistence of smooth muscle and decidual cells in nodules on and within the ovarian tunica albuginea at term. Routine histologic techniques and electron microscopy have been employed in characterizing the morphology of the nodules. Recent literature concerning the frequency of ovarian decidualization during pregnancy is discussed with respect to the possible relationship of such decidualization to the histogenesis of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD). The hypothesis that LPD may represent "disseminated fibrosing decidua" is discussed in light of finding collagen fibrils, secretory decidual cells, and smooth muscle cells in these nodules. It is concluded that the present case does not represent "fibrosing decidua." The authors agree with others who have proposed that the smooth muscle in ovarian decidua and LPD result from proliferation of stem cells which may reside in the subperitoneal stroma in association with ectopic endometrial stroma and which may respond to the hormones of pregnancy.
ISSN:0029-7844