Role of Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Retained Products of Conception

Abstract

Abstract“Retained products of conception” (RPOC) account for a significant number of radiology clinical visits in the postnatal or postabortive period. Any delay in receiving the necessary treatment can lead to further complications and may even prove lethal. On the other hand, overtreatment where none is required may also lead to complications and can affect future conceptions. Therefore, a timely and accurate detection of RPOC is essential in saving the life and preventing future complications. Ultrasonography helps in diagnosing and quantifying the RPOC and is, therefore, important when choosing the course of management for the patient. Various findings in pathologically confirmed cases of RPOC have been described in the literature. However, a significant overlap with the normal postnatal findings is seen. This article aims to describe the various features of RPOC on ultrasound, which may increase the diagnostic confidence of the radiologists in cases of RPOC. The RPOC mimics and features that may help differentiate them have also been briefly discussed.