Retained products of conception (RPOC) refers to placental or fetal tissue that remains in the uterus after a delivery, miscarriage, or therapeutic abortion. This can cause ongoing vaginal bleeding, infection, and in severe cases, hemorrhage or sepsis. On ultrasound, RPOC may appear as an echogenic mass or thickened, heterogeneous material within the uterine cavity, sometimes with vascularity visible on color Doppler. A thickened endometrial stripe with an irregular, echogenic appearance is a common finding. The presence of blood flow within the retained tissue is particularly significant, as it suggests viable, vascularized tissue that may require procedural evacuation. Ultrasound helps distinguish RPOC from blood clots and normal postpartum changes, guiding clinical decisions about whether expectant management, medical treatment, or surgical evacuation is needed.
Sonography Term