[Leiomyoma of the portal vein].

A case report of a 34-year-old female with leiomyoma of the portal vein is presented. The tumor was found accidentally, when laparatomy with diagnosis of cholelithiasis was performed. Total excision of the leiomyoma including a part of the anterior wall of the portal vein was necessary and could be carried out. The continuity of the portal vein could be preserved using continuous vascular suture. Microscopical examination of the tumor showed an increased proliferation rate in the leiomyoma; therefore the tumor was classified "semimalignant". A review of the literature concerning leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma of the central and the peripheral veins showed 91 published cases and no other report of portal vein leiomyoma. The tumors of the vena cava inferior, which have been observed mostly, are listed in particular.