Computed tomography for localization of intra-abdominally dislocated intrauterine devices

CT with scanogram and selected scans was performed in 7 women aged 23 to 46 years where an extrauterine localization of intrauterine devices (IUD) had been considered present at ultrasonography in 6 patients and a questionable intrauterine position of the device in one. Abdominal radiography and hysterosalpingography gave conclusive evidence of extrauterine device dislocation in 5. CT provided good information about the relation of the IUD to adjacent organs and was thus helpful when planning for the mode of extraction. The gonadal radiation exposure at CT was not less than that given by the conventional radiologic methods but may be reduced with a slight change of technique. It is suggested that a CT examination should be the next step in the diagnostic follow-up when US fails or is equivocal in demonstrating an IUD. (orig.)