Utilizing Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Timely Diagnosis of Retained Products of Conception in Resource-Limited...

Vaginal bleeding following dilation and curettage or miscarriage is a common presentation in the emergency department. Diagnosing retained products of conception (RPOC) can be challenging in resource-limited settings, as it often requires transvaginal ultrasonography documented by a certified radiologist. This case report describes a young woman who presented after hours to a critical access emergency department with vaginal bleeding six days post-dilation and curettage for spontaneous abortion. Physical examination findings were nonspecific, and radiology ultrasound was unavailable. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was performed, revealing echogenic material within the endometrial cavity with internal vascularity on color Doppler, consistent with RPOC. The patient was transferred to a higher-level care facility and underwent a second dilation and curettage. This case underscores the utility of POCUS as a valuable diagnostic tool in emergency settings and highlights sonographic findings characteristic of RPOC.