Intravenous leiomyomatosis is characterized by a der(14)t(12;14)(q15;q24)

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a rare smooth-muscle proliferation that is of special interest because of its quasi-malignant behavior. Our finding of a specific chromosomal aberration, a der(14)t(12;14)(q15;q24), in a second case of IVL suggests that it may be characteristic of IVL. We propose that IVL arises from a uterine leiomyoma with a t(12;14)(q15;q24). The presence of an extra copy of 12q15-qter and/or loss of 14q24-qter may be a critical genetic event(s) leading to intravascular intrusion and proliferation. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.