William Terrill, MD

THE CASE

An 18-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department complaining of midsternal chest pain and mild shortness of breath, which had been intermittent for the past several months. She denied any history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism risk factors, such as oral contraceptive use.

Laboratory values were within normal limits. An electrocardiogram (EKG), however, showed T-wave inversions in leads V₁ and V₂, and physical examination revealed decreased breath sounds in the right lung base. A chest radiograph and subsequent chest computed tomography (CT) were ordered.

The initial radiograph (FIGURE 1) showed a large right anterior mediastinal mass; the CT revealed fat, fluid, soft tissue, and ossification within the mass (FIGURE 2). The CT also showed evidence of local mass effect on the right atrium, as well as compressive atelectasis in the adjacent right lung, contributing to the patient’s EKG abnormality and physical exam findings.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Based on the patient’s clinical history and imaging findings, which were consistent with a benign well-differentiated teratoma, she was given a diagnosis of anterior mediastinal teratoma.

DISCUSSION

Teratomas are tumors composed of pluripotent stem cells that carry elements from all 3 of the embryologic layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).¹ There are 3 classifications of teratomas: mature (well-differentiated), immature (poorly differentiated), and malignant.

Tumors of germ cell origin are rare within the anterior mediastinum, accounting for 1% to 3% of total reported cases.² Among anterior mediastinal masses, germ cell tumors such as teratomas, seminomas, and nonseminomatous tumors comprise approximately 15% of adult and 24% of pediatric anterior mediastinal tumors.³

It is reported that up to 60% of patients with mediastinal teratomas present with no signs or symptoms upon diagnosis.⁴ When the mass is large, patients can develop chest pain or shortness of breath relating to tumor mass effect. In rare instances, there can be hemoptysis or trichoptysis, pathognomonic for teratomas with bronchial communication.⁵ Physical exam findings are also nonspecific and may include decreased breath sounds secondary to compressive atelectasis with large tumor burden.

Continue to: Radiographic imaging...

Radiographic imaging is essential to elucidate the diagnosis. Chest radiograph can show an intrathoracic mass, and CT can provide further characterization, such as density and precise location.

Location of mass guides differential

Localizing an intrathoracic mass in the anterior, middle, or posterior mediastinum allows for narrowing of the differential diagnosis (TABLE⁶). The main diagnostic consideration for a middle mediastinal or hilar mass is primary carcinoma. Posterior mediastinal masses, on the other hand, are generally of benign etiology and may include neurogenic tumors, foregut duplication cysts, or, in rare cases, extramedullary hematopoiesis.

The differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal masses can be separated into 4 main categories of disease, colloquially known as the “4 Ts”:

Teratoma. Mixed tissue densities seen on CT relate to the multiple tissue types originating from the embryologic germ cell layers.Frequently, there will be fat, fluid, and calcifications.

Thyroid pathology. A goiter or thyroid cancer can manifest with endocrine dysfunction, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone and T3/T4 abnormalities. A thyroid mass tends to sit more superiorly than do other anterior mediastinal masses and may be confirmed using a nuclear scan looking for increased radioactive iodine uptake.

Continue to: Thymoma

Thymoma. The diagnostic features include parathymic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis (30%-50% of thymoma cases^7,8) and pure red cell aplasia (5% of thymoma cases⁹).

“Terrible” lymphoma. The most effective way to differentiate an anterior mediastinal mass due to lymphadenopathy (secondary to lymphoma) is to perform a tissue sample biopsy.

Also consider, as part of the differential for anterior mediastinal masses, such things as mesenchymal tumors, Morgagni hernia (anterior diaphragmatic defect), and pericardial cysts (fluid attenuating and usually located at the right cardiophrenic angle).

Surgical resection is effective

The treatment for anterior mediastinal teratoma is surgical resection.¹⁰ A complete surgical resection is typically curative and provides adequate therapy for symptom resolution.

The standard surgical approach involves gaining access to the anterior mediastinum via a median sternotomy. When there is extensive tumor involvement of the hemithorax, clamshell thoracotomy is preferred, requiring incisions in both the left and right hemithoraxes.¹¹

Continue to: Our patient

Our patient underwent resection of the tumor; the subsequent pathology report for the specimen (FIGURE 3) confirmed the diagnosis. There was no abnormal enhancement or vascular invasion to suggest aggressive or malignant potential.

THE TAKEAWAY

Patients frequently present with nonspecific and vague chest complaints. This case points to the importance of obtaining a thorough clinical history and conducting a complete physical examination to guide additional work-up and radiographic imaging.

CORRESPONDENCE
Cassie Tran, MD, 320 E North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; tran.cassie@gmail.com

THE CASE

An 18-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department complaining of midsternal chest pain and mild shortness of breath, which had been intermittent for the past several months. She denied any history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism risk factors, such as oral contraceptive use.

Laboratory values were within normal limits. An electrocardiogram (EKG), however, showed T-wave inversions in leads V₁ and V₂, and physical examination revealed decreased breath sounds in the right lung base. A chest radiograph and subsequent chest computed tomography (CT) were ordered.

The initial radiograph (FIGURE 1) showed a large right anterior mediastinal mass; the CT revealed fat, fluid, soft tissue, and ossification within the mass (FIGURE 2). The CT also showed evidence of local mass effect on the right atrium, as well as compressive atelectasis in the adjacent right lung, contributing to the patient’s EKG abnormality and physical exam findings.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Based on the patient’s clinical history and imaging findings, which were consistent with a benign well-differentiated teratoma, she was given a diagnosis of anterior mediastinal teratoma.

DISCUSSION

Teratomas are tumors composed of pluripotent stem cells that carry elements from all 3 of the embryologic layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).¹ There are 3 classifications of teratomas: mature (well-differentiated), immature (poorly differentiated), and malignant.

Tumors of germ cell origin are rare within the anterior mediastinum, accounting for 1% to 3% of total reported cases.² Among anterior mediastinal masses, germ cell tumors such as teratomas, seminomas, and nonseminomatous tumors comprise approximately 15% of adult and 24% of pediatric anterior mediastinal tumors.³

It is reported that up to 60% of patients with mediastinal teratomas present with no signs or symptoms upon diagnosis.⁴ When the mass is large, patients can develop chest pain or shortness of breath relating to tumor mass effect. In rare instances, there can be hemoptysis or trichoptysis, pathognomonic for teratomas with bronchial communication.⁵ Physical exam findings are also nonspecific and may include decreased breath sounds secondary to compressive atelectasis with large tumor burden.

Continue to: Radiographic imaging...

Radiographic imaging is essential to elucidate the diagnosis. Chest radiograph can show an intrathoracic mass, and CT can provide further characterization, such as density and precise location.

Location of mass guides differential

Localizing an intrathoracic mass in the anterior, middle, or posterior mediastinum allows for narrowing of the differential diagnosis (TABLE⁶). The main diagnostic consideration for a middle mediastinal or hilar mass is primary carcinoma. Posterior mediastinal masses, on the other hand, are generally of benign etiology and may include neurogenic tumors, foregut duplication cysts, or, in rare cases, extramedullary hematopoiesis.

The differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal masses can be separated into 4 main categories of disease, colloquially known as the “4 Ts”:

Teratoma. Mixed tissue densities seen on CT relate to the multiple tissue types originating from the embryologic germ cell layers.Frequently, there will be fat, fluid, and calcifications.

Thyroid pathology. A goiter or thyroid cancer can manifest with endocrine dysfunction, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone and T3/T4 abnormalities. A thyroid mass tends to sit more superiorly than do other anterior mediastinal masses and may be confirmed using a nuclear scan looking for increased radioactive iodine uptake.

Continue to: Thymoma

Thymoma. The diagnostic features include parathymic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis (30%-50% of thymoma cases^7,8) and pure red cell aplasia (5% of thymoma cases⁹).

“Terrible” lymphoma. The most effective way to differentiate an anterior mediastinal mass due to lymphadenopathy (secondary to lymphoma) is to perform a tissue sample biopsy.

Also consider, as part of the differential for anterior mediastinal masses, such things as mesenchymal tumors, Morgagni hernia (anterior diaphragmatic defect), and pericardial cysts (fluid attenuating and usually located at the right cardiophrenic angle).

Surgical resection is effective

The treatment for anterior mediastinal teratoma is surgical resection.¹⁰ A complete surgical resection is typically curative and provides adequate therapy for symptom resolution.

The standard surgical approach involves gaining access to the anterior mediastinum via a median sternotomy. When there is extensive tumor involvement of the hemithorax, clamshell thoracotomy is preferred, requiring incisions in both the left and right hemithoraxes.¹¹

Continue to: Our patient

Our patient underwent resection of the tumor; the subsequent pathology report for the specimen (FIGURE 3) confirmed the diagnosis. There was no abnormal enhancement or vascular invasion to suggest aggressive or malignant potential.

THE TAKEAWAY

Patients frequently present with nonspecific and vague chest complaints. This case points to the importance of obtaining a thorough clinical history and conducting a complete physical examination to guide additional work-up and radiographic imaging.

CORRESPONDENCE
Cassie Tran, MD, 320 E North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; tran.cassie@gmail.com

THE CASE

An 18-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented to the emergency department complaining of midsternal chest pain and mild shortness of breath, which had been intermittent for the past several months. She denied any history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism risk factors, such as oral contraceptive use.

Laboratory values were within normal limits. An electrocardiogram (EKG), however, showed T-wave inversions in leads V₁ and V₂, and physical examination revealed decreased breath sounds in the right lung base. A chest radiograph and subsequent chest computed tomography (CT) were ordered.

The initial radiograph (FIGURE 1) showed a large right anterior mediastinal mass; the CT revealed fat, fluid, soft tissue, and ossification within the mass (FIGURE 2). The CT also showed evidence of local mass effect on the right atrium, as well as compressive atelectasis in the adjacent right lung, contributing to the patient’s EKG abnormality and physical exam findings.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Based on the patient’s clinical history and imaging findings, which were consistent with a benign well-differentiated teratoma, she was given a diagnosis of anterior mediastinal teratoma.

DISCUSSION

Teratomas are tumors composed of pluripotent stem cells that carry elements from all 3 of the embryologic layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm).¹ There are 3 classifications of teratomas: mature (well-differentiated), immature (poorly differentiated), and malignant.

Tumors of germ cell origin are rare within the anterior mediastinum, accounting for 1% to 3% of total reported cases.² Among anterior mediastinal masses, germ cell tumors such as teratomas, seminomas, and nonseminomatous tumors comprise approximately 15% of adult and 24% of pediatric anterior mediastinal tumors.³

It is reported that up to 60% of patients with mediastinal teratomas present with no signs or symptoms upon diagnosis.⁴ When the mass is large, patients can develop chest pain or shortness of breath relating to tumor mass effect. In rare instances, there can be hemoptysis or trichoptysis, pathognomonic for teratomas with bronchial communication.⁵ Physical exam findings are also nonspecific and may include decreased breath sounds secondary to compressive atelectasis with large tumor burden.

Continue to: Radiographic imaging...

Radiographic imaging is essential to elucidate the diagnosis. Chest radiograph can show an intrathoracic mass, and CT can provide further characterization, such as density and precise location.

Location of mass guides differential

Localizing an intrathoracic mass in the anterior, middle, or posterior mediastinum allows for narrowing of the differential diagnosis (TABLE⁶). The main diagnostic consideration for a middle mediastinal or hilar mass is primary carcinoma. Posterior mediastinal masses, on the other hand, are generally of benign etiology and may include neurogenic tumors, foregut duplication cysts, or, in rare cases, extramedullary hematopoiesis.

The differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal masses can be separated into 4 main categories of disease, colloquially known as the “4 Ts”:

Teratoma. Mixed tissue densities seen on CT relate to the multiple tissue types originating from the embryologic germ cell layers.Frequently, there will be fat, fluid, and calcifications.

Thyroid pathology. A goiter or thyroid cancer can manifest with endocrine dysfunction, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone and T3/T4 abnormalities. A thyroid mass tends to sit more superiorly than do other anterior mediastinal masses and may be confirmed using a nuclear scan looking for increased radioactive iodine uptake.

Continue to: Thymoma

Thymoma. The diagnostic features include parathymic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis (30%-50% of thymoma cases^7,8) and pure red cell aplasia (5% of thymoma cases⁹).

“Terrible” lymphoma. The most effective way to differentiate an anterior mediastinal mass due to lymphadenopathy (secondary to lymphoma) is to perform a tissue sample biopsy.

Also consider, as part of the differential for anterior mediastinal masses, such things as mesenchymal tumors, Morgagni hernia (anterior diaphragmatic defect), and pericardial cysts (fluid attenuating and usually located at the right cardiophrenic angle).

Surgical resection is effective

The treatment for anterior mediastinal teratoma is surgical resection.¹⁰ A complete surgical resection is typically curative and provides adequate therapy for symptom resolution.

The standard surgical approach involves gaining access to the anterior mediastinum via a median sternotomy. When there is extensive tumor involvement of the hemithorax, clamshell thoracotomy is preferred, requiring incisions in both the left and right hemithoraxes.¹¹

Continue to: Our patient

Our patient underwent resection of the tumor; the subsequent pathology report for the specimen (FIGURE 3) confirmed the diagnosis. There was no abnormal enhancement or vascular invasion to suggest aggressive or malignant potential.

THE TAKEAWAY

Patients frequently present with nonspecific and vague chest complaints. This case points to the importance of obtaining a thorough clinical history and conducting a complete physical examination to guide additional work-up and radiographic imaging.

CORRESPONDENCE
Cassie Tran, MD, 320 E North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212; tran.cassie@gmail.com

A 34-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented as a new patient to our family medicine clinic with 2 weeks of intermittent lower abdominal and pelvic pain. She was sexually active with 1 partner and denied abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding. She mentioned she’d had an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) placed a few weeks ago. The patient was afebrile, and her pelvic examination was unremarkable.

Physical examination showed mild tenderness to palpation over the lower abdomen without rebound tenderness or guarding. A complete metabolic panel revealed no significant abnormalities, and her human chorionic gonadotropin levels were normal.

Findings from the physical exam and her clinical history prompted the need for imaging. An abdominal radiograph (FIGURE 1) and noncontrast computed tomography (FIGURES 2A and 2B) were subsequently ordered.

WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

The abdominal radiograph revealed a nonobstructive bowel gas pattern with an IUD overlaying the central lower abdomen and pelvis at the L5-S1 level (FIGURE 1). Computed tomography (CT) of her abdomen and pelvis showed that the IUD was outside the endometrial cavity (FIGURES 2A and 2B). There was no evidence of pneumoperitoneum or bowel perforation. Based on the work-up and imaging, the patient’s pain was due to intra-abdominal IUD malpositioning.

Diagnostic criteria for IUD malpositioning include device migration into 1 of several locations, such as the lower uterine segment or cervix. IUD malpositioning can involve the rotation or protrusion of the device into or through the myometrium. On imaging, a well-positioned IUD should have a straight stem contained within the endometrial cavity, with the arms of the IUD extending laterally at the uterine fundus.

For our patient, an abdominal radiograph showed that her IUD was superiorly displaced outside the expected region of the endometrial cavity. CT helped to confirm this.

Complications with IUDs are few

Using an IUD is an increasingly popular method of contraception because it is effective and generally well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects or complications. In a multicenter retrospective chart review of 2138 patients who had IUDs, Aoun et al found that serious complications included pelvic inflammatory disease (2%), IUD expulsion (6%), and pregnancy (1%).¹ In a retrospective cohort study examining complications among 90,489 women with IUDs, Berenson et al found ectopic pregnancy and uterine perforation affected < 1%.²

A less serious complication is IUD malpositioning. Although it does seem to occur more often than other, more serious complications, the exact incidence is unknown. In a retrospective case-control study, Braaten et al reported the rate for IUD malpositioning was 10.4% among 182 women.³ Malpositioned IUDs may be more likely to occur in those with suspected adenomyosis.³ In a study by de Kroon et al, the estimated prevalence rate for an abnormal IUD position ranged from 4% to 7.7% among 195 patients.⁴

Continue to: The clinical presentation of IUD migration

Identification of a malpositioned IUD is needed to avoid the possible increased risk for uterine perforation, IUD expulsion, or pregnancy.⁵

IUDs that have perforated the uterus float freely in the pelvis or abdomen and can result in injury to adjacent structures as well as peritonitis, fistulas, and hemorrhage.^5-7 In addition, adhesion formation over the IUD can lead to intestinal obstruction, infertility, and chronic pain.⁶

Common symptoms of IUD malpositioning include abdominal or pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, although many patients may be asymptomatic.⁸ In a retrospective study of 167 patients with IUDs who underwent pelvic ultrasound, 28 patients were found to have an IUD in an abnormal position.⁸ Rates of bleeding and pain were higher in patients with malpositioned IUDs (35.7% and 39.3%, respectively) than in those with a normally positioned IUD (15.1% and 19.4%, respectively).⁸

The differential Dx includes endometriosis and fibroids

IUD malpositioning can be distinguished from other diagnoses that cause pelvic pain and have similar presentations—including endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, and fibroids—through imaging study findings, clinical history, and presentation.

Other conditions that may need to be ruled out include pelvic inflammatory disease, acute appendicitis, and ovarian cysts.⁹ A thorough history and physical examination can help rule out these conditions by organ system, and laboratory and imaging studies can help to confirm the diagnosis.

Continue to: Which imaging tool to use, and when

Assessment of intrauterine contraception placement requires evaluation of the uterine cavity; gynecologic examination alone is not sufficient to fully evaluate for IUD position. Certain imaging studies are particularly helpful for revealing possible IUD migration.

Ultrasound—a widely available, radiation-free modality—is the first-line imaging tool for evaluation of an IUD’s position.¹⁰ In addition, ultrasound can provide effective evaluation of other pelvic structures, which is helpful in identifying or eliminating other causes of pain or abnormal bleeding.

Conventional radiography. If the IUD is not visualized on ultrasound, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends radiography to determine if the IUD has been expelled or has migrated to an extra-uterine position.⁶

CT may be best suited for the evaluation of more severe complications of IUD malpositioning, including visceral perforation, abscess formation, or bowel obstruction. CT should be considered if the patient’s clinical presentation is suspicious for a more serious intra-abdominal pathology.

Management depends on the IUD’s position

For patients whose IUD has an uncertain position or nonvisualized intravaginal strings, ACOG’s first-line recommendations include ruling out pregnancy, using an alternative method for contraception, and ordering pelvic ultrasonography.⁶ ACOG recommendations for the management of IUD malpositioning depend on the device’s location and the patient’s symptomatology.

Continue to: Management of low-lying IUDs

Management of low-lying IUDs is complex. An IUD that is malpositioned in the cervix is considered partially expelled and should be completely removed.⁶ For asymptomatic patients with an IUD located in the lower uterine segment and above the internal cervical os, there should be strong consideration given to leaving the IUD in place because removal is associated with higher rates of pregnancy given the low rates of initiation of effective contraception following removal.⁶

For asymptomatic patients with an IUD in the lower uterine segment and above the internal cervical os, consider leaving the IUD in place.

IUD malpositioning in the peritoneal cavity requires surgical intervention. Although ACOG’s first-line recommendation is laparoscopic intervention, laparotomy can be considered if laparoscopy does not result in the removal of the IUD or the patient has more severe complications (sepsis or bowel perforation).⁶ At the time of IUD removal, the clinician should also discuss and/or prescribe interim contraception.

Treatment for our patient included uncomplicated laparoscopic surgical removal of the intra-abdominal IUD. The patient’s symptoms went away following the procedure, and she was subsequently switched to an oral contraceptive.

A 34-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented as a new patient to our family medicine clinic with 2 weeks of intermittent lower abdominal and pelvic pain. She was sexually active with 1 partner and denied abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding. She mentioned she’d had an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) placed a few weeks ago. The patient was afebrile, and her pelvic examination was unremarkable.

Physical examination showed mild tenderness to palpation over the lower abdomen without rebound tenderness or guarding. A complete metabolic panel revealed no significant abnormalities, and her human chorionic gonadotropin levels were normal.

Findings from the physical exam and her clinical history prompted the need for imaging. An abdominal radiograph (FIGURE 1) and noncontrast computed tomography (FIGURES 2A and 2B) were subsequently ordered.

WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

The abdominal radiograph revealed a nonobstructive bowel gas pattern with an IUD overlaying the central lower abdomen and pelvis at the L5-S1 level (FIGURE 1). Computed tomography (CT) of her abdomen and pelvis showed that the IUD was outside the endometrial cavity (FIGURES 2A and 2B). There was no evidence of pneumoperitoneum or bowel perforation. Based on the work-up and imaging, the patient’s pain was due to intra-abdominal IUD malpositioning.

Diagnostic criteria for IUD malpositioning include device migration into 1 of several locations, such as the lower uterine segment or cervix. IUD malpositioning can involve the rotation or protrusion of the device into or through the myometrium. On imaging, a well-positioned IUD should have a straight stem contained within the endometrial cavity, with the arms of the IUD extending laterally at the uterine fundus.

For our patient, an abdominal radiograph showed that her IUD was superiorly displaced outside the expected region of the endometrial cavity. CT helped to confirm this.

Complications with IUDs are few

Using an IUD is an increasingly popular method of contraception because it is effective and generally well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects or complications. In a multicenter retrospective chart review of 2138 patients who had IUDs, Aoun et al found that serious complications included pelvic inflammatory disease (2%), IUD expulsion (6%), and pregnancy (1%).¹ In a retrospective cohort study examining complications among 90,489 women with IUDs, Berenson et al found ectopic pregnancy and uterine perforation affected < 1%.²

A less serious complication is IUD malpositioning. Although it does seem to occur more often than other, more serious complications, the exact incidence is unknown. In a retrospective case-control study, Braaten et al reported the rate for IUD malpositioning was 10.4% among 182 women.³ Malpositioned IUDs may be more likely to occur in those with suspected adenomyosis.³ In a study by de Kroon et al, the estimated prevalence rate for an abnormal IUD position ranged from 4% to 7.7% among 195 patients.⁴

Continue to: The clinical presentation of IUD migration

Identification of a malpositioned IUD is needed to avoid the possible increased risk for uterine perforation, IUD expulsion, or pregnancy.⁵

IUDs that have perforated the uterus float freely in the pelvis or abdomen and can result in injury to adjacent structures as well as peritonitis, fistulas, and hemorrhage.^5-7 In addition, adhesion formation over the IUD can lead to intestinal obstruction, infertility, and chronic pain.⁶

Common symptoms of IUD malpositioning include abdominal or pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, although many patients may be asymptomatic.⁸ In a retrospective study of 167 patients with IUDs who underwent pelvic ultrasound, 28 patients were found to have an IUD in an abnormal position.⁸ Rates of bleeding and pain were higher in patients with malpositioned IUDs (35.7% and 39.3%, respectively) than in those with a normally positioned IUD (15.1% and 19.4%, respectively).⁸

The differential Dx includes endometriosis and fibroids

IUD malpositioning can be distinguished from other diagnoses that cause pelvic pain and have similar presentations—including endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, and fibroids—through imaging study findings, clinical history, and presentation.

Other conditions that may need to be ruled out include pelvic inflammatory disease, acute appendicitis, and ovarian cysts.⁹ A thorough history and physical examination can help rule out these conditions by organ system, and laboratory and imaging studies can help to confirm the diagnosis.

Continue to: Which imaging tool to use, and when

Assessment of intrauterine contraception placement requires evaluation of the uterine cavity; gynecologic examination alone is not sufficient to fully evaluate for IUD position. Certain imaging studies are particularly helpful for revealing possible IUD migration.

Ultrasound—a widely available, radiation-free modality—is the first-line imaging tool for evaluation of an IUD’s position.¹⁰ In addition, ultrasound can provide effective evaluation of other pelvic structures, which is helpful in identifying or eliminating other causes of pain or abnormal bleeding.

Conventional radiography. If the IUD is not visualized on ultrasound, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends radiography to determine if the IUD has been expelled or has migrated to an extra-uterine position.⁶

CT may be best suited for the evaluation of more severe complications of IUD malpositioning, including visceral perforation, abscess formation, or bowel obstruction. CT should be considered if the patient’s clinical presentation is suspicious for a more serious intra-abdominal pathology.

Management depends on the IUD’s position

For patients whose IUD has an uncertain position or nonvisualized intravaginal strings, ACOG’s first-line recommendations include ruling out pregnancy, using an alternative method for contraception, and ordering pelvic ultrasonography.⁶ ACOG recommendations for the management of IUD malpositioning depend on the device’s location and the patient’s symptomatology.

Continue to: Management of low-lying IUDs

Management of low-lying IUDs is complex. An IUD that is malpositioned in the cervix is considered partially expelled and should be completely removed.⁶ For asymptomatic patients with an IUD located in the lower uterine segment and above the internal cervical os, there should be strong consideration given to leaving the IUD in place because removal is associated with higher rates of pregnancy given the low rates of initiation of effective contraception following removal.⁶

For asymptomatic patients with an IUD in the lower uterine segment and above the internal cervical os, consider leaving the IUD in place.

IUD malpositioning in the peritoneal cavity requires surgical intervention. Although ACOG’s first-line recommendation is laparoscopic intervention, laparotomy can be considered if laparoscopy does not result in the removal of the IUD or the patient has more severe complications (sepsis or bowel perforation).⁶ At the time of IUD removal, the clinician should also discuss and/or prescribe interim contraception.

Treatment for our patient included uncomplicated laparoscopic surgical removal of the intra-abdominal IUD. The patient’s symptoms went away following the procedure, and she was subsequently switched to an oral contraceptive.

A 34-year-old woman with no significant past medical history presented as a new patient to our family medicine clinic with 2 weeks of intermittent lower abdominal and pelvic pain. She was sexually active with 1 partner and denied abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding. She mentioned she’d had an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) placed a few weeks ago. The patient was afebrile, and her pelvic examination was unremarkable.

Physical examination showed mild tenderness to palpation over the lower abdomen without rebound tenderness or guarding. A complete metabolic panel revealed no significant abnormalities, and her human chorionic gonadotropin levels were normal.

Findings from the physical exam and her clinical history prompted the need for imaging. An abdominal radiograph (FIGURE 1) and noncontrast computed tomography (FIGURES 2A and 2B) were subsequently ordered.

WHAT IS YOUR DIAGNOSIS?
HOW WOULD YOU TREAT THIS PATIENT?

The abdominal radiograph revealed a nonobstructive bowel gas pattern with an IUD overlaying the central lower abdomen and pelvis at the L5-S1 level (FIGURE 1). Computed tomography (CT) of her abdomen and pelvis showed that the IUD was outside the endometrial cavity (FIGURES 2A and 2B). There was no evidence of pneumoperitoneum or bowel perforation. Based on the work-up and imaging, the patient’s pain was due to intra-abdominal IUD malpositioning.

Diagnostic criteria for IUD malpositioning include device migration into 1 of several locations, such as the lower uterine segment or cervix. IUD malpositioning can involve the rotation or protrusion of the device into or through the myometrium. On imaging, a well-positioned IUD should have a straight stem contained within the endometrial cavity, with the arms of the IUD extending laterally at the uterine fundus.

For our patient, an abdominal radiograph showed that her IUD was superiorly displaced outside the expected region of the endometrial cavity. CT helped to confirm this.

Complications with IUDs are few

Using an IUD is an increasingly popular method of contraception because it is effective and generally well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects or complications. In a multicenter retrospective chart review of 2138 patients who had IUDs, Aoun et al found that serious complications included pelvic inflammatory disease (2%), IUD expulsion (6%), and pregnancy (1%).¹ In a retrospective cohort study examining complications among 90,489 women with IUDs, Berenson et al found ectopic pregnancy and uterine perforation affected < 1%.²

A less serious complication is IUD malpositioning. Although it does seem to occur more often than other, more serious complications, the exact incidence is unknown. In a retrospective case-control study, Braaten et al reported the rate for IUD malpositioning was 10.4% among 182 women.³ Malpositioned IUDs may be more likely to occur in those with suspected adenomyosis.³ In a study by de Kroon et al, the estimated prevalence rate for an abnormal IUD position ranged from 4% to 7.7% among 195 patients.⁴

Continue to: The clinical presentation of IUD migration

Identification of a malpositioned IUD is needed to avoid the possible increased risk for uterine perforation, IUD expulsion, or pregnancy.⁵

IUDs that have perforated the uterus float freely in the pelvis or abdomen and can result in injury to adjacent structures as well as peritonitis, fistulas, and hemorrhage.^5-7 In addition, adhesion formation over the IUD can lead to intestinal obstruction, infertility, and chronic pain.⁶

Common symptoms of IUD malpositioning include abdominal or pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, although many patients may be asymptomatic.⁸ In a retrospective study of 167 patients with IUDs who underwent pelvic ultrasound, 28 patients were found to have an IUD in an abnormal position.⁸ Rates of bleeding and pain were higher in patients with malpositioned IUDs (35.7% and 39.3%, respectively) than in those with a normally positioned IUD (15.1% and 19.4%, respectively).⁸

The differential Dx includes endometriosis and fibroids

IUD malpositioning can be distinguished from other diagnoses that cause pelvic pain and have similar presentations—including endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, and fibroids—through imaging study findings, clinical history, and presentation.

Other conditions that may need to be ruled out include pelvic inflammatory disease, acute appendicitis, and ovarian cysts.⁹ A thorough history and physical examination can help rule out these conditions by organ system, and laboratory and imaging studies can help to confirm the diagnosis.

Continue to: Which imaging tool to use, and when

Assessment of intrauterine contraception placement requires evaluation of the uterine cavity; gynecologic examination alone is not sufficient to fully evaluate for IUD position. Certain imaging studies are particularly helpful for revealing possible IUD migration.

Ultrasound—a widely available, radiation-free modality—is the first-line imaging tool for evaluation of an IUD’s position.¹⁰ In addition, ultrasound can provide effective evaluation of other pelvic structures, which is helpful in identifying or eliminating other causes of pain or abnormal bleeding.

Conventional radiography. If the IUD is not visualized on ultrasound, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends radiography to determine if the IUD has been expelled or has migrated to an extra-uterine position.⁶

CT may be best suited for the evaluation of more severe complications of IUD malpositioning, including visceral perforation, abscess formation, or bowel obstruction. CT should be considered if the patient’s clinical presentation is suspicious for a more serious intra-abdominal pathology.

Management depends on the IUD’s position

For patients whose IUD has an uncertain position or nonvisualized intravaginal strings, ACOG’s first-line recommendations include ruling out pregnancy, using an alternative method for contraception, and ordering pelvic ultrasonography.⁶ ACOG recommendations for the management of IUD malpositioning depend on the device’s location and the patient’s symptomatology.

Continue to: Management of low-lying IUDs

Management of low-lying IUDs is complex. An IUD that is malpositioned in the cervix is considered partially expelled and should be completely removed.⁶ For asymptomatic patients with an IUD located in the lower uterine segment and above the internal cervical os, there should be strong consideration given to leaving the IUD in place because removal is associated with higher rates of pregnancy given the low rates of initiation of effective contraception following removal.⁶

For asymptomatic patients with an IUD in the lower uterine segment and above the internal cervical os, consider leaving the IUD in place.

IUD malpositioning in the peritoneal cavity requires surgical intervention. Although ACOG’s first-line recommendation is laparoscopic intervention, laparotomy can be considered if laparoscopy does not result in the removal of the IUD or the patient has more severe complications (sepsis or bowel perforation).⁶ At the time of IUD removal, the clinician should also discuss and/or prescribe interim contraception.

Treatment for our patient included uncomplicated laparoscopic surgical removal of the intra-abdominal IUD. The patient’s symptoms went away following the procedure, and she was subsequently switched to an oral contraceptive.