Retained fetal bones two years after midtrimester dilation and evacuation: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Retained fetal parts is an uncommon but recognized complication of pregnancy termination. A case of retained fetal bones, 2 years after midtrimester dilation and evacuation (D&E), is described and utilized as a nidus for literature search and discussion of clinical presentation variations.

CASE

A 27-year-old woman, G2, P1, A1, presented complaining of a 2-year history of vaginal discharge. After visiting several healthcare providers and receiving ultrasound evaluations followed by courses of antibiotics and oral contraceptives, the patient's symptoms persisted. Subsequent hysteroscopy revealed fragments of immature bone. Symptoms resolved after hysteroscopic removal of the bone fragments.

CONCLUSION

Retained fetal parts can present with a variety of clinical symptoms and signs, including chronic pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, and secondary infertility. When symptoms are nonspecific, the condition can mimic other gynecologic conditions. Multiple case reports have described postabortal removal of retained fetal bone at varying time intervals from the antecedent D&E, ranging from days to years. The symptomatic presentation can be temporally remote from the antecedent abortion, and symptoms can mimic other common gynecologic conditions. The entity presents the gynecologist with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.