While it has been widely documented that levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) may perforate the uterus and migrate to the abdomen, where they may cause a variety of problems, and that IUD migration can result in ectopic pregnancy, a 2009 report by JJ Beltman et al, published in Journal of Medical Case Reports details the case of a woman in whom her IUD migration resulted in cornual pregnancy, a kind of ectopic pregnancy.
Cornual (interstitial) pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs in one of the fallopian tubes, rather than in the uterus, where it would normally take place.
“Interstitial pregnancy accounts for up to 1 to 3% of all ectopic pregnancies.[36,37] The term cornual pregnancy is used interchangeably in the United States as a synonym for interstitial pregnancies. However, it refers to a pregnancy in the interstitial segment of a unicornuate or bicornuate uterus.[35]As the pregnancy grows in the area of the fallopian tube that enters the uterus, surrounding myometrial tissue allows for further development of the pregnancy into the second trimester. Rupture of such an advanced gestation may result in catastrophic hemorrhage, with a mortality rate of up to 2%.[35,38,39] Diagnosis of interstitial pregnancies relies heavily on ultrasound and potentially on laparoscopic evaluation.[40]Ultrasound frequently shows a thin rim of myometrial tissue surrounding the ectopic pregnancy sac.[41] The interstitial line has been described as an echogenic line extending into the corneal region and abuting the gestational sac, and is highly specific for interstitial pregnancy.[39] Risk factors for development of interstitial pregnancy include previous ectopic pregnancy, previous salpingectomy, uterine anomalies, ipsilateral salpingectomy, IVF, ovulation induction, and sexually transmitted infections.[35,39]”[1]
For more information on cornual pregnancy, follow the link above to more medical research. Also, WebMD provides some helpful information on pregnancies that occur in unusual locations.
Sadly, ectopic pregnancies can be fatal for the mother and are almost always fatal for the unborn child.
Due to the fact that Bayer Pharmaceuticals, the maker of the Mirena® IUD has failed to warn users about the risk for pregnancy loss or ectopic pregnancy found to be associated with Mirena® use, many
Mirena® lawsuits are currently being filed.
At your convenience, you may reach our offices by phone at (888) 315 – 3997 or by e-mail at justinian@dangerousdrugs.us