Implanon and Pulmonary EmbolismAny Association?

Olutoyin M Lawa
2022 Global Journal of Cardiology and Hematology (GJCH)  
Implanon is a single rod contraceptive implant, it is one of the most reliable birth control methods, highly effective with rapid onset of action and an equally rapid return of fertility once removed. Thromboembolic events are established adverse events of hormonal contraceptives; however, few cases of thromboembolic complications of implanon have been reported in the literature. A 39 year old woman, with no known risk factors for thrombus formation and no past history of thromboembolic events
more » ... resented with difficulty with breathing, cough, hemoptysis, chest pain and an episode of syncopal attack. Further evaluation revealed elevated D dimer, sinus tachycardia on (ECG) and computerized tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) finding of pulmonary embolism. She had implanon inserted for contraception 2 months before the event. Initiation of prompt management with anticoagulant and discontinuation of implanon led to a favourable patient outcome. In conclusion, pulmonary embolism is a possible though uncommon adverse event associated with implanon contraceptive. Therefore, women of reproductive age group requiring contraceptives should be risk stratified with the aim of identifying those with increased risk of this side effect. They should be properly guided and counseled on the appropriate choice of safe and effective contraceptive method. In addition, women on hormonal contraceptive methods (including implanon) presenting with symptoms suggestive of thromboembolic events should be promptly evaluated and treated to avoid high fatality associated with this condition.
doi:10.54026/gjch/1001 fatcat:2wnxj6aul5h3rg7en3t5xl7z6a