[Pseudo-sulfur granules (pseudo-actinomycotic granules) in intrauterine device patients].

In 14 tissues from uterine curettages from women with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD) we found structures were discovered, which could easily be mistaken for actinomycotic sulphur granules. These were characterised by radial filamentous eosinophilic structures with peripheral club-like swellings. The dissimilarities to a true sulphur granule are evident with Gram staining which shows single filaments substantially wider than those of the true actinomycotic granules. Until now the nature of the described structures is not clear. They are possibly deposits on the copper thread of the IUD.