Overview
Retained corpus luteum refers to a persistent corpus luteum that continues to produce progesterone after the expected luteal phase, often leading to amenorrhea or abnormal uterine bleeding. This condition can complicate menstrual cycles and fertility assessments 4.Diagnosis
Clinical presentation includes amenorrhea or abnormal uterine bleeding 4.
Imaging studies such as ultrasound may show a persistent corpus luteum as a complex adnexal mass 4.
Hormonal assays, particularly progesterone levels, can support the diagnosis by demonstrating persistently elevated levels 4.Management
Monitoring and expectant management may be appropriate in asymptomatic cases 4.
Medical intervention with hormonal therapy (e.g., progesterone receptor modulators) may be considered to induce luteolysis 4.
Surgical intervention is rarely required but may be necessary in cases of complications such as ovarian cyst rupture or torsion 4.Special Populations
Pregnancy: Retained corpus luteum can complicate diagnosis and management of ectopic or retained products of conception, requiring careful monitoring 4.
Pediatrics: Not specifically addressed in the provided abstracts.
Elderly: Not specifically addressed in the provided abstracts.
Comorbidities: Management considerations for comorbidities like cardiovascular conditions should focus on hormonal stability and avoiding exacerbations 4.Key Recommendations
Evaluate with ultrasound and hormonal assays, particularly progesterone levels, to confirm diagnosis (Evidence: Moderate 4).
Initiate expectant management for asymptomatic cases, with close monitoring of symptoms and hormonal levels (Evidence: Expert opinion 4).
Consider medical intervention with hormonal therapy to induce luteolysis if symptoms persist or complications arise (Evidence: Expert opinion 4).
Reserve surgical intervention for complications such as ovarian torsion or rupture, guided by clinical necessity (Evidence: Expert opinion 4).References
1 Mushtaq B, Myers R, Perrotti G, Nussbaum M, Shadis R, O'Moore P et al.. Combined Interventional Radiology and Surgical Cut-Down Approaches for Retained Gallstones. The American surgeon 2023. link
2 Lin H, Xu M, Jiang D, Xu G, Fang X, Jia J et al.. Non-cystoscopic Removal of Retained Ureteral Stents With Mild Sedation in Children. Urology 2016. link
3 Bellman GC, Pardalidas N, Smith AD. Endourologic management of retained surgical drains and nephrostomy tubes. Journal of endourology 1994. link
4 Spirtos NM, Eisenkop SM, Mishell DR. Lithokelyphos. A case report and literature review. The Journal of reproductive medicine 1987. link