An intraluminal leiomyoma of the small intestine causing invagination and obstruction: a case report.

Leiomyomas are mostly of benign character and are rarely seen in the gastrointestinal (GI) system. They represent one subgroup of a group of tumors known as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Although rarely seen, they are symptomatic tumors, and they comprise 20-30 percent of all benign GI tumors. Diagnosis is difficult because of their rarity and the absence of specific symptoms. This is a case report of intestinal leiomyoma in a patient who was suffering with GI obstruction for more than 5 months. The tumor was discovered only after the appearance of intestinal obstruction. The patient underwent laparotomy for ileus of unknown etiology. Leiomyoma was diagnosed by pathologic analysis.