Endometrial osseous metaplasia mimicking retained intrauterine device: a case report

J Reprod Med. 2008 Nov;53(11):877-80.

Abstract

Background: Osseous metaplasia of the endometrium is a rare disorder and can be associated with infertility. Although successful diagnosis and treatment have been widely reported, correct diagnosis in many cases still represents a challenge.

Case: A 40-year-old woman complaining of infertility presented with a diagnosis of retained intrauterine device (IUD) on ultrasound. Hysteroscopy revealed a normal endometrial cavity, but no IUD was visualized. Curettage pathology specimens showed chronic endometritis and calcification. Repeat hysteroscopy was performed because of persistent echogenic foci in the endometrium on follow-up ultrasound. Several irregular and calcified plaques were successfully removed.

Conclusion: Osseous metaplasia can be misdiagnosed because of its rare incidence. Physicians should be aware of osseous metaplasia in the differential diagnosis of patients with uncertain history who present with a sonographic image resembling an IUD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Dilatation and Curettage
  • Endometrium / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Intrauterine Devices / adverse effects*
  • Metaplasia / diagnosis
  • Metaplasia / pathology
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / surgery
  • Ultrasonography