Diagnosis Duodenal leiomyoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by the histological exam of the bioptical material and of the duodeno-cephalopancreatectomy, performed at surgery. Benign muscular cells mixed with hyaline material were found at histology. Discussion Leiomyoma of the gastro-enteric tract is a rare benign neoplasm which derives from the parietal smooth musculature. The most frequent localization is the stomach.
Duodenal localization is a rare finding.
Therefore the mass has to be differentiated from a carcinoma either of the pancreas or of the gallbladder. The duodenal loop was anteriorly located and interposed between the mass and the head of the pancreas. This aspect was helpful in defining the duodenal origin of the lesion. The barium exam confirmed the duodenal localization of the lesion and showed its submucosal origin. The integration of the results form various methods suggested the diagnosis of a mass originating from the duodenal wall, with some areas of colliquative degeneration.