Cystic degeneration is an uncommon type of degeneration that a uterine leiomyoma (fibroid) can undergo.
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Epidemiology
This type of degeneration is thought to represent ~4% of all types of uterine leiomyoma degeneration.
Pathology
When the leiomyoma increases in size, the vascular supply to it becomes inadequate and leads to different types of degeneration: hyaline, cystic, myxoid, or red degeneration. Dystrophic calcification may also occur. Hyalinization is the commonest type of degeneration. Cystic degeneration is an extreme sequel of edema.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
May show a hypoechoic or heterogeneous uterine mass with cystic areas.
MRI
Fibroids with this type of degeneration may show cystic areas with portions of high T2 signal on MRI 1.
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