Delayed systemic allergic dermatitis following Essure insert: a case report

Abstract

Hypersensitivity reaction to the nickel component of the Essure contraceptive micro-insert (Essure) is extremely rare. We present a case of a 41-year-old woman who reported a delayed systemic allergic reaction to the Essure. This is the fourth such case to be reported in the literature. Four years after Essure insertion, the patient developed systemic contact dermatitis secondary to the nickel component. The Essure was suspected as the cause after a positive allergy-patch test result for nickel. An initial laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy did not improve her symptoms (likely due to retained microfilament), but a subsequent hysterectomy resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. Nickel allergy is a rare but serious complication of the Essure and practitioners should be cognisant of its role in hypersensitivity reactions.