Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome (HLRCC) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited cancer predisposing syndrome giving rise to cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis, leiomyosarcoma and renal cell cancer. Patients with this syndrome harbours germline pathogenic variants in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene. Case presentation: A 28-year-old Sri Lankan female, a product of a consanguineous marriage with strong family history of young onset fibroids presented with progressive dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and irregular menstrual cycles for 2 years duration. There was recent onset lower abdominal colicky pain lasting for 3-5 min occurring during the post coital and intermenstrual period over 2 months. Examination did not reveal abnormal skin lesions or abdominal masses. Ultrasound examination revealed enlarged uterus with 2 large fibroids in the posterior wall and fundus of the uterus. She underwent laparoscopic myomectomy without perioperative complications. Histology revealed a leiomyoma with morphological features supporting the variant “fumarate hydratase deficient leiomyoma”. Whole exome sequencing of the patient revealed her to be harbouring a pathogenic variant c.878T>G| p:Val293Gly in the FH gene for which she was heterozygous confirming that she had inherited the cancer predisposing syndrome of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer(HLRCC). Postoperatively her symptoms resolved, and she was able to sustain an uncomplicated pregnancy one year after. Currently she is closely followed up for future development of tumors including renal cell cancer both clinically and via imaging. Conclusion: HLRCC is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited cancer syndrome predisposing to skin, uterine and renal tumors warranting surveillance at a younger age.