TITLE:
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding due to Retention of Fetal Bones after Abortion: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Love Chimezirim Okafor, Nwakamma Chisom Ogoke, William Oladiran Taiwo, Simon Joseph Adagadzu, Kingsley Iyoko Iseko, Aminyene Essien Meraiyebu
KEYWORDS:
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Retained Fetal Bones, Abortion, Transvaginal Ultrasound, Dilatation and Curettage, Hysteroscopy
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
28,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Retention of fetal bones is a rare cause
of abnormal uterine bleeding. Others may present as subfertility, chronic
pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, menometrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and
spontaneous expulsion of bony fragments. Incidence is 0.26% among patients
undergoing hysteroscopy. Aim: To document a pattern of presentation of retained
fetal bone and its management. Case Presentation: Our patient is an 18-year old
who presented with vaginal bleeding of four weeks duration and managed for
abnormal uterine bleeding due to retained fetal bone following second trimester
abortion. Conclusion: The use of transvaginal ultrasound in making diagnosis of
retained fetal bone is effective. Treatment by removal of bones through
evacuation by dilatation and curettage or hysteroscopy brings about resolution
of symptoms. Use of pelvic ultrasonography to confirm complete evacuation of
the uterus after abortion especially second trimester abortion could aid in
early diagnosis and management of incomplete abortion.