Migration of a contraceptive subcutaneous device into the pulmonary artery. Report of a case

Abstract

The case is about an 18 year-old woman who benefited of a radiopaque contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) inserted in the left arm . When she wanted to remove it, it couldn't be found by palpation, US, CT and MRI. A CXR and a thoracic CT scan were necessary to locate the implant, and the implant was removed by endovascular procedures. Significant migration of a contraceptive implant is uncommon, and only one case of migration far from the insertion limb has been reported. Using radiopaque contraceptive implants like Nexplanon could locate them easier if a migration occurs.