Postmenopausal bleeding due to a Cu-7 intrauterine device retained for thirty years

Abstract

Background: A retained intrauterine device is a rare, but easily correctable, cause of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB). Case: A 64-year-old woman presented to her gynecologist with PMB. Sonographic evaluation of the endometrium revealed the presence of a Cu-7 IUD retained for at least 30 years. Hysteroscopically assisted retrieval of the IUD resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: A retained IUD should be considered in the differential diagnosis for PMB. In addition, the authors recommend pelvic sonography as the first-line diagnostic modality for PMB to aid the diagnosis of retained IUD as well as other pathology. © 2012 by JSLS.