Intrauterine device fragmentation
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Bell D, Intrauterine device fragmentation. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 24 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-165976
Permalink:
rID:
165976
Article created:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Yuranga Weerakkody had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Yuranga Weerakkody's current disclosures
Last revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no financial relationships to ineligible companies to disclose.
View Daniel J Bell's current disclosures
Revisions:
2 times, by
2 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Synonyms:
- IUCD fragmentation
- IUD fragmentation
- Intra uterine contraceptive device fragmentation
Intrauterine device fragmentation is a rare complication that can be encountered with an intrauterine device. It is usually broken and fragmented during expulsion or removal, including embedded retrieval strings.
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
If it occurs during removal, the fragment may be a smaller than expected residual fragment on a post removal scan.
References
- 1. Nowitzki K, Hoimes M, Chen B, Zheng L, Kim Y. Ultrasonography of Intrauterine Devices. Ultrasonography. 2015;34(3):183-94. doi:10.14366/usg.15010 - Pubmed
- 2. Chin J, Lomiguen C, Hernandez H, Kane A. Retained Copper Intrauterine Device Fragment in Pregnancy: A Case Report. Cureus. 2022;14(12):e32537. doi:10.7759/cureus.32537 - Pubmed
- 3. McCool R & Springer J. Ultrasound Imaging of a Fragmented Copper Wire IUD. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2018;298(6):1043-4. doi:10.1007/s00404-018-4940-0 - Pubmed
- 4. Wakrim S & Lahlou L. Spontaneously Expelled IUD and Missing Fragments in the Uterine Cavity. Radiol Case Rep. 2020;15(9):1654-6. doi:10.1016/j.radcr.2020.07.005 - Pubmed
- 5. Gorsline J & Osborne N. Management of the Missing Intrauterine Contraceptive Device: Report of a Case. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985;153(2):228-9. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(85)90122-x - Pubmed
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