Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a heterogeneous group of liver disorders with a high recurrence rate. Patients with a history of ICP are at risk of developing contraceptive-induced cholestasis, especially if they harbour a biliary transporter mutation. We report the first case of drug-induced cholestasis associated with a contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR) in a patient with a prior history of ICP.

Our patient was a women with a history of multiple pregnancies and spontaneous abortions and early and severe ICP. Two to four weeks after initiation of CVR, she developed signs and symptoms of cholestasis, which resolved after discontinuation of the CVR. A thorough investigation to exclude other plausible causes of cholestasis was performed, including a liver biopsy. Genetic testing revealed pathogenic mutations in both the ABCB11 and ABCB4 genes.

Although a history of ICP used to be an absolute contraindication for oral contraceptive pills (OCP), recent studies suggest a lower risk of cholestasis associated with low-dose oestrogen pills (20–35 mcg compared to the original 50 mcg). No previous case report could confirm the theoretical risk associated with the use of a CVR, which delivers a very low estrogen dose (15 mcg). The two biliary transporter mutations identified in our case could potentially explain the patient's susceptibility to the cholestatic effect of oestrogen.

This case illustrates that CVR can trigger drug-induced cholestasis in a susceptible patient. While such cases should not discourage the trial of low-dose hormonal contraception in women with prior ICP, an appropriate follow-up is necessary to ensure early detection and treatment of drug-induced cholestasis.