Uterine gas vs. vessel calcification. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Pelvic ultrasound plays a significant role in the diagnosis of uterine abnormalities; however, occasionally the radiologic findings may be misleading.


METHODS
A case of suspected uterine vessel calcification was detected on ultrasound in a patient hospitalized with pelvic inflammatory disease that was originally interpreted as uterine gas. The lack of change over serial ultrasound scans in conjunction with the patient's benign clinical course led to reassessment of the initial impression; the findings were then attributed to uterine vessel calcification.


CONCLUSIONS
Uterine vessel calcification in a polysubstance abuser may be a manifestation of the known atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications of cocaine. Although ultrasound findings may be misleading, clinical judgment is essential to rule out clostridial endomyometritis.
Cogan
Stephanie L
SL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue A81, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. cogans@ccf.org
Robinson
J Courtland
JC
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D000292:Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D003042:Cocaine