ASSOCIATION OF ACTINOMYCES AND INTRAUTERINE CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (1) , 48-52
Abstract
The clinicopathologic aspects of 19 cases of actinomycosis associated with intrauterine devices (IUD) seen and treated between 1972 and 1982 were analyzed. Clinical manifestations included the following: asymptomatic IUD-associated Actinomyces colonization, endocervicitis, endometritis, endometritis with salpingitis and/or tuboovarian abscesses and abdominopelvic abscesses. No consistent relationship was found between the total peripheral lymphocyte count and/or degree of histologic lymphocytic reaction and the clinical picture. Abnormal uterine bleeding and/or discharge, pain, fever and abdominopelvic masses were among the symptoms and signs encountered. Patients with endocervicitis and/or endometritis responded to removal of the IUD, dilatation and curettage and antibiotic therapy for 2-4 wk. Those who developed abscesses were treated successfully with surgical drainage and added antibiotic treatment.