Presentation
Imaging for chronic constipation. Incidental finding of a long-standing IUCD.
Patient Data
There is rectal feacal loading and likely impaction.
There is an unusual "scissor-shaped" radio-opacity projected within the right hemipelvis.
There is an age-appropriate appearance of the abdominal skeleton.
Image courtesy: Dr S Mbonane-Nxumalo.
A PACS search revealed an abdominal X-ray 3 years prior and confirmed the presence of the identified "scissor-shaped" device within the right hemipelvis.
Case Discussion
The patient confirmed the insertion of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD/IUD) approximately 50 years ago!
The Saf-T-Coil is a first-generation IUCD/ IUD, that started production in 1965 and was discontinued in the early 1980s due to economic reasons when newer contraceptive methods and devices started gaining popularity 1. This was the first type of inert IUCD to be used and also introduced the familiar T-shape of IUCDs still used today 1.
Patients may occasionally present with retained IUCDs. When questioned, they are sometimes surprised and may have forgotten about the device or suspected previous spontaneous expulsion.
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