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ObjectivesOvarian leiomyomas (OLs) are rare and account for only 0.5 to 1% of benign ovarian tumors. This study investigated the ultrasonographic manifestations of OL and the potential reasons for misdiagnosis.MethodsBetween July 2018 and July 2023, 7 patients diagnosed with OL by surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Ultrasound (US) examinations were performed before surgery. Clinical characteristics, pathological findings, ultrasonographic manifestations, and treatment were reviewed.ResultsThe mean age of the 7 patients was 39.0 ± 11.57 years, with a disease course of 0.1 to 24 months. All ovarian leiomyomas were unilateral. Four cases occurred in the right ovary, and three cases occurred in the left ovary. All lesions presented as hypoechogenic, well-circumscribed, round or oval in shape, and regular in morphology. No significant blood flow signal was detected peripheral to or inside the mass in 3 cases (42.8%), and a minimal flow signal was detected peripheral to or inside the mass in 4 cases (58.2%). A total of 7 ultrasonographic images of OL were misdiagnosed: 1 patient was misdiagnosed with subserosal uterine leiomyoma, and 6 patients were misdiagnosed with a tumor in the ovarian thecoma–fibroma group.ConclusionThe imaging manifestation of OL lacks specificity; thus, preoperatively distinguishing OL from other ovarian tumors and subserosal uterine leiomyomas is difficult. Immunohistochemistry may be helpful for the definitive diagnosis of OL. The possibility of ovarian leiomyoma should be considered in patients with uterine leiomyomas coexisting with an adnexal ovarian solid mass.

Introduction: A suicide trend that involves mixing household chemicals to produce hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen cyanide, commonly referred to as a detergent, hydrogen sulfide, or chemical suicide is a continuing problem in the United States (U.S.). Because there is not one database responsible for tracking chemical suicides, the actual number of incidents in the U.S. is unknown. To prevent morbidity and mortality associated with chemical suicides, it is important to characterize the incidents that have occurred in the U.S. Methods: The author analyzed data from 2011-2013 from state health departments participating in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s National Toxic Substance Incidents Program (NTSIP). NTSIP is a web-based chemical incident surveillance system that tracks the public health consequences (e.g., morbidity, mortality) from acute chemical releases. Reporting sources for NTSIP incidents typically include first responders, hospitals, state environmental agencies, and media outlets. To find chemical suicide incidents in NTSIP’s database, the author queried open text fields in the comment, synopsis, and contributing factors variables for potential incidents. Results: Five of the nine states participating in NTSIP reported a total of 22 chemical suicide incidents or attempted suicides during 2011-2013. These states reported a total of 43 victims: 15 suicide victims who died, seven people who attempted suicide but survived, eight responders, and four employees working at a coroner’s office; the remainder were members of the general public. None of the injured responders reported receiving HazMat technician-level training, and none had documented appropriate personal protective equipment. Conclusion: Chemical suicides produce lethal gases that can pose a threat to responders and bystanders. Describing the characteristics of these incidents can help raise awareness among responders and the public about the dangers of chemical suicides. Along with increased awareness, education is also needed on how to protect themselves.