Chondroid Metaplasia of Peritoneum - A Case Report

Chondroid metaplasia is a rare but well - recognized phenomenon. Very few cases of chondroid metaplasia in the peritoneum have been described in literature. Most of the cases have past history of surgical intervention. We report case of a 38 year old female with past history of open appendicectomy and three first trimester abortions who presented with menorrhagia and suspected adenomyosis. Patient underwent abdominal hysterectomy during which a small nodule measuring 1.5x1 cm was noted in the omentum which was excised. Microscopically, lobulated nodules of mature hyaline cartilage surrounded by mature adipose tissue was noted beneath overlying benign mesothelium. Exact histogenesis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. Commonly supported theory includes a possible differentiation of submesothelial multipotent stem cell into a cartilaginous tissue in response to prior abdominal trauma or surgery.