Importance of abdominal X-ray to confirm the position of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUSs) gradually release levonorgestrel into the uterus and is effective against hypermenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea. Complications associated with the insertion include expulsion, displacement, and uterine perforation. Ultrasonic identification of copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) is possible due to echogenicity from the copper coils. However, the barium sulfate coatings of LNG-IUSs do not always provide hyperechoic images. Both barium sulfate and copper are radiopaque and clearly identifiable on X-ray. Thus, X-ray imaging is required to locate LNG-IUSs.

CASE SUMMARY

A 46-year-old woman with hypermenorrhoea due to submucosal myomas was treated with LNG-IUS at another hospital. Three LNG-IUS insertions had apparently been followed by spontaneous expulsion, although objective confirmation using imaging was not performed. The patient was referred to our institution for surgery. At the first visit, there appeared to be no device in the uterus, and none was observed on transvaginal ultrasound. However, two LNG-IUSs were observed in the pelvis on abdominal plain X-rays prior to surgery. Hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed, and the two LNG-IUSs were found to have perforated the myometrium. The devices were safely removed during surgery, and the submucosal myomas were also removed. The perforated section of the myometrium was minimal+ADs- therefore, a repair operation was not required.

CONCLUSION

Plain abdominal X-rays facilitate the determination of whether an LNG-IUS is in the uterine cavity. Therefore, it is important to confirm a device’s location, regardless of whether spontaneous expulsion is suspected, prior to inserting another device.

Key Words: Hysteroscope; Intrauterine devices; Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system; Submucosal myoma; Uterine perforation; Case report

Core Tip: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS) is the effective against hypermenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. In many cases, like previous devices, we misunderstand that the device can be recognized by ultrasound. In this case, the diagnosis was that there was no device in the uterus, however, there were two devices that were displaced and caused myometrium damage. Plain abdominal X-ray is important to confirm the position of LNG-IUS.

INTRODUCTION

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is a T-shaped device matching the morphology of the uterine cavity (Figure 1A). Levonorgestrel contained in the frame is gradually released into the uterus at a rate of 20 μg per day. The released levonorgestrel exerts a local progestin action in the uterus. These devices are now widely available as a treatment for hypermenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea[1,2]. The rate of hypermenorrhoea improvement is reportedly 84%[1]. The rate of dysmenorrhea improved on the visual analog scale from 7.7 ± 1.3 before use to 3.5 ± 1.8 one year after use[2]. LNG-IUS can be inserted into the uterine cavity without anaesthesia in an outpatient setting, and a single application is effective for approximately 5 years. In addition, indications for hypermenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea were approved, insurance coverage was authorized in 2014, and the demand has since been rapidly increasing. However, whether medical personnel have up-to-date knowledge regarding proper use and complications has raised concerns. Uterine perforation is one of the serious complications associated with intrauterine devices (IUDs). The incidence of LNG-IUS uterine perforation is 1.4 per 1000 insertions[3]. Partial perforation is rare but is regarded as an associated risk. Multiple imaging modalities can be used to assess IUDs. Ultrasound is excellent for the initial evaluation. Structurally, an IUD is a T-shaped polyethylene frame with a copper wire or LNG around the stem. Copper wires are opaque and hyperechoic on ultrasound. Ultrasonic identification of copper IUDs is possible due to echogenicity from the copper coils. However, LNG-IUS coated with barium sulfate does not always provide a high echo image. Thus, LNG-IUS can be difficult to detect by ultrasound[4]. In addition, the ultrasound image is unclear in the presence of myoma and intestinal gas artefacts. On X-rays, both barium sulfate and copper are radiopaque and clearly identifiable[5]. The location of the LNG-IUS can thus be confirmed by X-ray. Almost half (48%) of patients with uterine perforation were asymptomatic. IUS were discovered incidentally or following a clinical work-up for symptoms[6]. Case reports have described the appearance of clear symptoms corresponding to IUS perforation of the uterus and entry into the abdominal cavity, which in turn leads to adhesions, intestinal obstruction, and abscess formation. To date, no reports have presented images showing how the displaced device affects the muscle layer or demonstrating partial perforation using a hysteroscope, which may illustrate the process leading to complete uterine perforation. We present a case with partial perforation of the myometrium, which was thought to have been caused by the insertion of a second LNG-IUS, without objective confirmation of the status of the first LNG-IUS by imaging, in response to the patient's self-report of spontaneous expulsion.

Figure 1 Photographic and imaging findings of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. A: The T frame and thread are made of polyethylene, and barium sulfate is added to the T frame. The vertical portion of the cylinder contains Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS); B: Abdominopelvic radiograph demonstrates the two LNG-IUSs in the pelvis and that both devices are rotated away from a normal orientation; C: Axial T2-weighted MR image through the pelvis before LNG-IUS insertion. Multiple fibroids are observed in the mucosa and muscle layer; D: Transvaginal ultrasonography at the first visit to our hospital. At this time, two LNG-IUSs were inserted, but due to multiple fibroids, it was difficult to confirm the device location by ultrasound.

CASE PRESENTATION

Chief complaints

The patient was 46 years old and gravida 2, para 2 (2g2p). The patient had been treated for multiple submucosal uterine myomas, hypermenorrhoea, and anaemia by a previous physician starting two years prior to the current presentation.

History of present illness

The previous physician was aware that the patient had undergone prior LNG-IUS insertions and that these devices had been spontaneously expulsed three times over a two-year period. At the time of referral, a third LNG-IUS was inserted; however, the patient was immediately referred to our institution for surgery after both she and the medical professional became aware that spontaneous expulsion along with massive haemorrhage had occurred. Since the previous physician was aware that the LNG-IUS had been inserted and that there had been three prior expulsions of the device, the patient was referred to us based on the assumption that no devices were present in the uterus.

History of past illness

The patient had a medical history of breast cancer at the age of 45, which had been treated by total mastectomy. Postoperative adjuvant therapy was not administered, and the patient is currently receiving follow-up and has not developed recurrence.

Personal and family history

There is no family history.

Physical examination

The findings at the time of scheduled hospitalization were as follows: height 168 cm, weight 61 kg, body mass index 21, blood pressure 139/89 mmHg, pulse rate 82 beats/min, respiration rate 20 times/min, and body temperature 36.0 °C. The patient had no abdominal pain and no abnormal bleeding.

Laboratory examinations

Blood test findings were as follows: WBC, 4600/uL; Hb, 11.6 g/dL; Plt, 335000/uL, T-bil, 0.39 mg/dL; AST, 16 U/L; ALT, 13 U/L; LDH, 169 U/L; BUN, 10.2 mg/dL; Cr, 0.65 mg/dL; Na, 141 mEq/L; K, 4.1 mEq/L; Cl, 104 mEq/L; and CRP, 0.01 mg/dL.

Imaging examinations

During examination at our institution for initial diagnosis, the uterine cavity length was 10 cm, and on transvaginal ultrasound images, multiple uterine myomas were identified, including submucosal uterine myomas up to 4 cm in size (Figure 1C and D). Ultrasound images of the uterine cavity were unclear due to the presence of multiple myomas, and the LNG-IUS could not be visualized inside the uterus. During the speculum examination, the thread for pulling out the LNG-IUS was not found. During pelvic examination and ultrasound, no device was visualized in the uterus+ADs- however, two LNG-IUSs were observed in the pelvis on abdominal plain X-rays prior to surgery (Figure 1A and B), such that both intrauterine LNG-IUSs were suspected to be located in the uterus.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

Partial perforation of the uterine myometrium, duplicate insertion of LNG-IUS.

TREATMENT

Intrauterine findings at the time of hysteroscopic surgery included an enlarged 4-cm submucosal myoma in the upper right side of the uterine body at a protrusion rate of 70% and an enlarged 4-cm submucosal myoma at a protrusion rate of 90% in the lower part of the uterine body (Figure 2A, B, D and E). In addition, spaces between the uterine myomas and the two LNG-IUS devices and the torn device threads were observed in the fundus of the uterus. The devices had partially perforated the myometrium of the uterine fundus (Figure 2C). The devices were safely removed during surgery using intraoperative biopsy forceps. Then, hysteroscopic myomectomy was performed, and the submucosal myomas were removed. Subsequent hysteroscopy confirmed the absence of bleeding from the perforated section of the myometrium, and the depth was minimal; therefore, a repair operation was not required.

Figure 2 Hysteroscopic findings in the endometrial cavity and ultrasound findings. A: Illustration of the uterus, fibroids and devices; B: Hysteroscopic findings show multiple fibroids occupying the uterus; C: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) had perforated the myometrium of the anterior wall of the uterine body; D: A thread had penetrated into the muscle layer; E: LNG-IUS1 and 2 were further toward the bottom of the uterus than myoma 2 and 3; F: The endometrium was smooth on transvaginal ultrasound (white arrow).

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

The postoperative course was favourable, and the patient was discharged the day after surgery. Hypermenorrhoea and anaemia showed improvement postoperatively.

DISCUSSION

LNG-IUS complications include menstrual disorders, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory diseases, including uterine perforation, which is a very rare complication. At the time of perforation, 48% of patients are asymptomatic. Unexpected pregnancy and abdominal pain are often reported. Because symptoms are mild, the time of onset is unknown for many patients. In those with a clear onset, most symptoms manifest soon after insertion[6]. Some risk factors that are known to be associated with uterine perforation include breastfeeding, recent childbirth, and inappropriate insertion techniques[3], none of which were applicable to this patient. When uterine perforation is suspected because no threads can be found, transvaginal ultrasound is nearly always used. X-rays are required in 75% of patients[7]. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be options. In most patients, the diagnosis can easily be made using transvaginal ultrasound or X-ray. CT is the optimal method for assessing complications associated with intra-abdominal IUDs, such as visceral perforation, abscess formation, and intestinal obstruction. MRI is rarely used for such evaluations, although this imaging modality can be performed safely[5]. As a result of searching for LNG-IUS, perforation, and migration, there were 6 similar case reports, including this case (Table 1)[8-12]. At the time of diagnosis, 3 patients were asymptomatic, and 3 patients had lower abdominal pain. Ultrasound was performed in 5 cases, and in 4 cases, the patients were diagnosed with an unclear or incorrect LNG-IUS position. Therefore, it was considered that the position of the LNG-IUS could not be determined only by ultrasound. For complete perforation, due to the potential for adhesions, the World Health Organization recommends that perforating IUDs be removed as soon as possible after the diagnosis is confirmed regardless of their type and location[13]. IUDs implanted in the myometrium can be removed during hysteroscopic surgery[14]. In most cases with perforation, the IUD is removed laparoscopically, and laparotomy is rarely performed[3]. Expulsion of IUDs from the uterus is a relatively common complication, occurring in up to 10% of patients[7]. If an IUD is not confirmed by ultrasound and expulsion is suspected, an abdominal pelvic X-ray should be performed to ensure that the IUD is not in the abdominal cavity. Until confirmation, a new IUD should not be inserted[15]. We evaluated the condition of the endometrium by transvaginal ultrasound three months after surgery (Figure 2F). No defects were found in the endometrium, and it was considered that the injury had no effects. In this case, the patient did not wish to become pregnant in the future and did not wish to have a second-look hysteroscope. A second look is recommended within a few months after surgery, especially for patients who wish to become pregnant[16]. The LNG-IUS is a 32-mm T-shaped structure that fits well into normal-sized uterine cavities. However, the arm may slip out without reaching the cornual wedge in patients with an enlarged uterine fundus. In addition, in patients with uterine malformations or submucosal uterine myomas, the arm may hit the myomas, thereby preventing normal insertion. In particular, in patients with multiple submucosal uterine myomas, such as our patient, the device is considered to be aberrantly positioned between myomas or easily expulsed since it is not fixed to the cornual wedge. The length of the uterine cavity increases with exacerbation of uterine myomas and adenomyosis. The thread to remove the LNG-IUS is pulled into the cervix, complicating visualization of the thread during pelvic examination. The same conditions apply to patients with prior gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist treatment. In these patients, the thread was 2 cm-3 cm longer than usual when a cut was required when inserting LNG-IUSs. The development of products with a greater size selection, including new LNG-IUSs, is expected.

Table 1 6 reports on perforation or migration of Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

Author	Year reported	Age (yr)	Para	Indication	Symptom of perforation	Ultrasound finding for LNG-IUS position	Actual position of LNG-IUS	Risk factor
Our case	2021	46	2	Hypermenorrhea	None	Location cannot be diagnosed due to myomas	In the uterus (partial perforation)	Submucosal myomas
Pappas et al[8]	2009	33	2	Hypermenorrhea	Abdominal pain	Unknown	In the anterior abdominal wall with omentum	After endometrial ablation
Ferson et al[9]	2016	46	1	Contraception	None	In the upper endometrial cavity	The straight arm in the uterus, T sharped arms in the abdominal cavity	Prolonged steroid use
Howard et al[10]	2017	31	2	Contraception	None	In the uterus	In the cul-de-sac	Insertion at 6 wk after vaginal delivery
Saeki et al[11]	2019	29	1	Dysmenorrhea	Abdominal pain	Unknown	In the retroperitoneum	After conization
Makena et al[12]	2021	34	1	Contraception	Abdominal pain	No devices in the uterus	In the left tube	Insertion at 8 wk after vaginal delivery

LNG-IUS: Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

CONCLUSION

Plain X-rays are recommended if the thread for removal cannot be detected during the examination of patients with LNG-IUSs. In particular, the indications, insertion techniques, contraindications, and follow-up methods are often poorly understood and executed in countries where LNG-IUSs have only recently been introduced, and thus, caution should be exercised.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank Bierta B for her contribution to the language editing of this manuscript.