title: What is the fate of the missing intrauterine contraceptive device?
abstract: An intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is one of the most common forms of contraception in use worldwide today. It is associated with a myriad of problems and complications, one of which is the missing IUCD. It is a known fact that IUCDs can perforate the uterus resulting in its subsequent relocation in other organs within the pelvis and the abdomen. This study showed that more than 50% of clinically diagnosed cases of a missing IUCD are still located within the endometrial cavity. It is therefore being proposed that a clinical diagnosis of 'missing string' be made until adequate radiological investigations, such as ultrasonography, plain X-rays and computerized tomography, have been carried out.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. bobitoye@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Bolanle O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Ibitoye
authors.forename: Ademola A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Aremu
authors.forename: Mayomi A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Onuwaje
authors.forename: Oluwagbemiga O
authors.initials: OO
authors.lastname: Ayoola
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging