Update on Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome

This review presents an update of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome on its etiologic, clinical, diagnostic, psychological, therapeutic, and reproductive aspects. The etiology of MRKH syndrome remains unclear due to its intrinsic heterogeneity. Nongenetic and genetic causes that may interact during the embryonic development have been proposed with no definitive etiopathogenesis identified. The proportion of concomitant extragenital malformations varies in different studies, and the discrepancies may be explained by ethnic differences. In addition to physical examination and pelvic ultrasound, the performance of pelvic magnetic resonance imaging is crucial in detecting the presence of rudimentary uterine endometrium. MRKH syndrome has long-lasting psychological effects on patients, resulting in low esteem, poor coping strategies, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Providing psychological counseling and peer support to diagnosed patients is recommended. Proper and timely psychological intervention could significantly improve a patient's outcome. Various nonsurgical and surgical methods have been suggested for treatment of MRKH syndrome. Due to the high success rate and minimal risk of complications, vaginal dilation has been proven to be the first-line therapy. Vaginoplasty is the second-line option for patients experiencing dilation failure. Uterine transplantation and gestational surrogacy are options for women with MRKH syndrome to achieve biological motherhood.

Robert's uterus (asymmetric septate uterus): a rare congenital Müllerian duct anomaly

Müllerian anomalies such as Robert's uterus, which was first described by the French gynaecologist Dr Helene Robert in 1969, are rare clinical entities and have been reported in <3% of the female population. Robert's uterus is a rare phenomenon with a relative dearth of reported cases. Affected individuals may present with pelvic pain and dysmenorrhoea that intensifies near menses or acutely, with severe abdominal pain to the emergency department. They are also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, abnormal fetal presentation, preterm labour, recurrent pregnancy loss and infertility. Although ultrasound has a role in its initial assessment, MRI is the best modality to further delineate its anatomy. It is typically managed via laparotomy and total horn resection, endometrectomy of the blind cavity or abdominal metroplasty. The authors present the case of a 40-year-old woman at 19+3 weeks gestation with acute onset of left-sided abdominal pain. A transvaginal ultrasound and MRI of the pelvis confirmed a Robert's uterus with a viable pregnancy in the upper left horn. She developed a ruptured horn with significant haemoperitoneum. An emergency laparotomy was performed and a non-viable fetus was evident. Only a few cases of pregnancy in the blind hemicavity have been reported so far. This case also highlights the importance of considering this diagnosis in young females presenting with dysmenorrhoea and normal menstrual flow. It is imperative to render a prompt diagnosis, as minimally invasive procedures may be more effective if detected before the formation of adnexal endometriomas.

Uterine Transplantation: Recipient Patient Populations

Uterine transplantation is an emerging treatment for patients with uterine factor infertility (UFI). In order to determine patient candidacy for transplant, it is imperative to understand how to identify, counsel and treat uterine transplant recipients. In this article, we focus on patient populations with UFI, whether congenital or acquired, including Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser, complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, hysterectomy, and other causes of nonabsolute UFI. Complete preoperative screening of recipients should be required to assess the candidacy of each individual prior to undergoing this extensive treatment option.

Balloon vaginoplasty as a minimally invasive method in the management of vaginal aplasia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to describe the management of vaginal aplasia and to introduce minimally invasive surgical procedures for neovagina formation.

METHODOLOGY

Literature review obtained from studies and papers dealing with the management of congenital vaginal aplasia.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal aplasia is a rare congenital anomaly, often in coincidence with congenital defects of the uropoietic system. Management nowadays favors non-surgical or minimally invasive surgical methods for neovagina formation. Saman et al introduced a new method of neovagina formation, namely balloon vaginoplasty. The advantage of the surgical procedure is traction using a soft Foley balloon, determining both the length and width of the neovagina. The method uses the expansion of the natural vaginal mucosa without the need for dissection of the vesicorectal space. The soft Foley balloon does not cause erosion of the vaginal mucosa.

New Advances in Transplants and Bioengineering Aid in Replacing the Womb

When Kayla Edwards turned 13, she began to wonder if she was different. It started as a seed of suspicion when her friends began their menstrual cycles, and hers never arrived. Her grandmother was late, she learned, but for Edwards, it still seemed odd. She had hit puberty's other benchmarks-the hormones, the breasts-just no cycle.

Three degrees of separation: complete uterine and cervical septa

OBJECTIVE

To review the diagnosis and management of 3 variations of incomplete müllerian duct fusion and reabsorption.

DESIGN

Narrated video delineating the surgical management of 3 müllerian anomalies; this video was deemed exempt from review by the institutional review board of the Mayo Clinic.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

This video focuses on 3 müllerian anomalies: complete septate uterus with a single septate cervix (septate uterus unicollis); complete septate uterus with duplicated cervix (septate uterus bicollis); and complete duplication of the uterus and cervix (uterine didelphys).

INTERVENTION(S)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cervical septoplasty, operative hysteroscopy, and uterine septoplasty.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Several variations of uterine malformations exist. In our practice, we differentiate complete septate uteri as either unicollis or bicollis via MRI and vaginal examination. The bicollis presentation can be identified on MRI by the "lambda sign," which is seen as the 2 cervices that diverge as they enter the vagina. This is in comparison with the unicollis presentation when the single septate cervix can be traced with parallel lines as it enters the vagina. The circle method is described in this video to help distinguish between a single and duplicated cervix on examination.

RESULT(S)

The cervical and uterine septa were resected completely in the patient with a complete septate uterus unicollis. In contrast, the uterine septum was resected completely and the 2 cervical canals were not incised in the case of the complete septate uterus bicollis. Although uterine and cervical septa resection is controversial, our practice is to avoid the incision of the 2 cervical canals in cases that are more clearly consistent with a bicollis classification.

CONCLUSION(S)

Müllerian anomalies represent a continuum of disorders caused by different degrees of disruption in embryogenesis. MRI with vaginal gel and vaginal examination are tools to help classify the anomaly and guide surgical management.

The Peritoneal Neovagina after Davydov's Laparoscopic Procedure in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome: Morphology and Ultrastructure Investigation of the New Epithelium

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical appearance and morphologic and ultrastructural aspects of the mucosa of the peritoneal neovagina after laparoscopic Davydov neovaginoplasty in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

DESIGN

The study group was a prospective, observational, experimental cohort of cases treated in the same institution between 2015 and 2019. Patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and then every 12 months.

SETTING

Single-center academic institution and teaching hospital in Milan, Italy.

PATIENTS

Fifty-one consecutive subjects with clinical and imaging diagnosis of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome surgically treated by the same team and postoperatively followed.

INTERVENTIONS

All the subjects underwent the same standardized surgical procedure and thereafter were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and then every 12 months; a minimum follow-up of 12 months was achieved in all cases. Vaginoscopy and Schiller test were performed at each follow-up visit, and a biopsy specimen of the neovagina was obtained in a limited number of patients (6 out of 51) for light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the tissue.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

In vaginoscopy, the neovaginal mucosa appeared homogeneous, smooth, and pink all along the neovaginal tract; the Schiller test detected iodine positivity at different degrees of extension upward from the hymenal ring, starting at 3 months postoperatively with almost complete positivity between 6 to 12 months in all cases. LM demonstrated adequate thickness and differentiation of the new mucosa along with the presence of glycogen storage; SEM revealed an ultrastructural surface appearance very close to normality. The main difference compared with a normal vagina was the reduced presence of vaginal mucosal folds.

CONCLUSION

Under different techniques (vaginoscopy, Schiller test, LM, and SEM), a minimum of 6 months after surgery, the peritoneal neovagina epithelium showed aspects comparable to the natal mucosa of the vagina.

Report of the first live birth after uterus transplantation in People's Republic of China

OBJECTIVE

To present the first live birth after uterine transplantation (UTx) in the People's Republic of China.

DESIGN

Case study.

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENT(S)

A 22-year-old woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome and previous surgery for vaginal reconstruction and UTx.

INTERVENTION(S)

Endometrial preparation, frozen embryo transfer, pregnancy follow-up, and cesarean section.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Results of in vitro fertilization, frozen embryo transfer, ultrasound measurements during pregnancy, rejection diagnosis and treatment, delivery, live birth, and histology of uterus.

RESULTS(S)

Frozen embryo (cleavage stage) transfer started 1.5 years after UTx. The first embryo transfer (n = 2) resulted in a biochemical pregnancy. The second, third, and fourth embryo transfer (n = 2, 2, 3) did not result in pregnancy. The fifth embryo transfer (n = 3) resulted in pregnancy with two gestational sacs, but with spontaneous disappearance of one in early pregnancy. During early pregnancy three episodes of vaginal bleedings occurred (gestational weeks 6 + 2, 13 + 1, and 16 + 3), with a spontaneously resorbing subchorionic hematoma diagnosed at the last bleeding episode. Bleeding episodes were treated with corticosteroids and tacrolimus. During pregnancy, blood flow velocity waveforms and fetal growth parameters were normal. A subacute cesarean section was performed at gestational week 33 + 6 due to uterine contraction pattern suggesting imminent labor. A healthy boy (2,000 g) with Apgar scores of 10, 10, 10 was delivered. The uterus was kept for a possible second pregnancy.

CONCLUSION(S)

The first live birth after UTx in the People's Republic of China is reported and this occurred after a robotic-assisted laparoscopic uterus retrieval from the mother.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome after neo-vagina creation by Davydov's procedure

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in subjects with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome treated by Davydov's laparoscopic neo-vaginoplasty were measured.

METHODS

Davydov's laparoscopic neo-vaginoplasty was undertaken at the Department of Obstetrics/gynecology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy, from November 2015 to July 2017, by two highly qualified surgeons. All women completed the ICIQ-UI Short Form questionnaire before and after treatment. LUTS were scored at recruitment, hospitalization, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Twenty-one women (mean age 21 years ± 5.9) were operated on with no major complications. Mean surgery duration was 79 min (± 55 min). Before the operation, one patient (1/21; 4.8%) reported occasional urinary loss that persisted after surgery and throughout 12 months of follow-up. After the operation, one patient (1/21; 4.8%) had urinary retention, requiring self-catheterization for 2 weeks. One month after surgery, stress incontinence was recorded in one case (1/19; 5.2%) and urge incontinence in two cases (2/19; 10.5%). At 3-month follow-up, these three patients were free of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The rate of LUTS is lower than that reported by others using alternative surgical procedures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report validating LUTS after Davydov's neo-vaginoplasty.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome as an interdisciplinary problem

The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also known as Müllerian agenesis or aplasia, is a congenital disease manifested by the aplasia of the uterus and the upper 2/3 of the vagina; its incidence is 1 in 4,000-5,000 female live births. We can distinguish 2 types of the MRKH syndrome: type I, which is characterized by an isolated absence of 2/3 of the vagina and uterus; and type II or MURCS (Müllerian duct aplasia, unilateral renal agenesis and cervicothoracic somite anomalies), which is also associated with other symptoms. The treatment of the MRKH syndrome patients aims at creating a neovagina and enabling sexual intercourse. Non-surgical techniques are the first-choice methods, and more than 90% of patients notice an anatomical and functional improvement if they are well-prepared emotionally. If non-surgical treatment does not bring about the expected results, a surgical procedure remains an option. The surgical method is mainly determined by the surgeon's experience. There are a few types of operations, though none of them seems superior to others. The next challenge is to provide these patients with a chance to become parents. Nowadays, a uterine transplant, a surrogate or adoption are the available solutions. An interdisciplinary approach is required, and the treatment should consist of medical and psychological support. This review presents the current knowledge about the MRKH syndrome with regard to the current methods of non-surgical and surgical treatment as well as a summary of the associated psychological problems.

Cystoscopy and mucosectomy: Essentials in the management of persistent müllerian duct syndrome with transverse testicular ectopia

OBJECTIVES

The concurrence of Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome and transverse testicular ectopia is rare. The risk of damage to the vas deferens and the deferential blood supply hinders some surgeons from complete excision of potentially malignant Müllerian duct remnants.

METHODS

We present a unique surgical technique of Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome in a patient with right inguinal hernia accompanying transverse testicular ectopia.

RESULTS

During exploration, both testes were detected in the right inguinal canal. When the hernia sac was opened, a primitive uterus and fallopian tubes without fimbria were identified confirming Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome. A 4 Fr catheter was placed into the os of the Müllerian duct remnants via the verumontanumorifice, and then a urethral catheter was placed. The full-thickness excision of proximal Müllerian duct remnant swere performed. The distal part of Müllerian duct remnants was layed open and only mucosa was excised for preserving vas deferens. Resection was completed just above its junction with the urethra with the aid of 4Fr catheter marked at centimeter intervals and the cuffwas oversewn. High ligation for right inguinal hernia and bilateral orchidopexy were performed.

CONCLUSIONS

Removal of Müllerian duct remnantsis advised in order to reduce the jeopardy of malignancy, urinary tract infections, stones and hematuria. On the other hand, excision down to urethra which can compromise the integrity and vascularity of the vas deferens is diffucult, even in experienced surgical hands. Complete excision of these structures by mucosectomy of the distal part of remnant which lay closed to vas deferens is a safe and effective method. Cystoscopy assistance and placement of a catheter into MDRs were essential for the complete excision of this mucosa. To the best of our knowledge, cystoscopy assisted mucosectomy in Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome has not been reported previously.

A Phenotypic Female Adolescent with Primary Amenorrhea and Dysmorphic Features

We report on a case of a 14-year-old phenotypic female with a microdeletion at 13q31.1-q31.3, dysmorphic facial and limb features, and neurologic symptoms. She presented to her pediatrician with concerns for delayed puberty, and laboratory analysis revealed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. She was found to have an XY karyotype and streak gonads. Further genetic studies did not reveal another cause for her gonadal dysgenesis and, to our knowledge, an association with her known 13q-microdeletion has not yet been reported. Given the risk of malignancy with XY gonadal dysgenesis, the patient had surgery to remove the gonads and had no postoperative complications after a 6-month follow-up visit. We also discuss the role of the pediatrician in cases of delayed puberty, from initial diagnosis to definitive management. [Pediatr Ann. 2019;48(12):e495-e500.].

Epidermoid carcinoma in the neovagina of a patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Case report and literature review

Objective

To present the case of a squamous carcinoma in the neovagina of a patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome and review of the literature related to treatment and prognosis of vaginal neoplasms or HPV infection in transgender women or with MRKH syndrome.

Materials and methods

A 56-year-old woman consulted to the Hospital Universitario of Sevilla (Spain). During the clinical examination, a exophytic tumor at the bottom of the vagina was found and the biopsy reported squamous carcinoma and positive nucleic acid amplification test for human papilloma (HPV) type 16. A literature search of case reports, case series and observational studies published from 2000 to October 2019 in English and Spanish was performed in Medline via PubMed, with the follow- ing terms: "congenital abnormalities"; "Mullerian aplasia"; "neovagina"; "Vaginal neoplasms"; "Squamous carcinoma"; "HPV infection" was performed.

Results

14 studies were finally included; seven corresponded to squamous cell carcinoma, three to adenocarcinoma and four reported HPV infection only. All of the squamous cell carcinomas were at advanced stages due to local or lymphatic compro- mise and received radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy or radical surgery. The prognosis was bad in three of the cases. Patients with adenocarcinoma also presented with advanced lesions due to local extensión and received surgical treatment and two cases received concomitant chemotherapy. Only one patient was followed-up for five years or more. HPV infection is common in women who underwent neovagina reconstruction.

Conclusions

Patients with neovagina are susceptible to develope squamous carcinomas or adenocarcinomas depending if skin or intestinal tissue grafts are used. According to local compromise at the time of diagnosis, radical or combined treatments are required. Which screening strategies for HPV, squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinoma is to be investigated.

Novel Minimally Invasive Technique of Neovaginoplasty Using an Absorbable Adhesion Barrier

Our objective was to provide a minimally invasive neovaginoplasty technique to construct a nearly physiologic vagina to facilitate sexual functioning and appropriate vaginal length in patients with congenital vaginal agenesis. This retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital comprised 52 patients with congenital vaginal agenesis because of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome or androgen insensitivity syndrome presented for vaginal reconstruction. Modified McIndoe vaginoplasty was done in all patients between 2010 and 2018 using a vaginal mold created with glove, nonadherent petroleum gauze, and Interceed absorbable adhesion barrier (Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson, Somerville, NJ) that was placed in the neovagina space created between the bladder and rectum for 7 days. Operative details, complications, length and width of the neovagina, and functional outcome were evaluated. The mean operation time was 35 minutes. The mean length of the constructed neovagina was 8.4 cm × 3.4 cm at 6 weeks follow-up. Epithelialization was completed by 4 to 6 months. All patients reported satisfactory sexual activity with no pain and good mucosal sensitivity. This modified neovaginoplasty technique is easy to perform, involves painless postoperative dilatations as the cornerstone of treatment, and results in adequate secretion, allowing lubrication and acceptable physiologic results.

The Interest of Women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome and Laparoscopic Vecchietti Neovagina in Uterus Transplantation

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess a group of women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome with surgically created neovaginas in the interest of uterus transplantation (UTx) and to recruit the first group of applicants for a UTx trial.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was an original prospective study using semistructured interviews.

PARTICIPANTS

A study group of 50 women with MRKH syndrome with Vecchietti neovaginas was recruited via letter of invitation.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Interest of MRKH women in obtaining experimental UTx for the treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility.

RESULTS

A total of 50 women responded via e-mail and 31 (62% [31 of 50] of the study group) expressed serious interest in UTx after complete information about its risks and benefits was provided during the first semistructured interview. They subsequently agreed to participate in additional interviews and further examinations. Because of various reasons, only 9 women were prepared to enter our UTx trial (18% [9 of 50] of the study group). Three recipients/donors were accepted into the living donor arm and 6 into the deceased brain donor arm of the trial.

CONCLUSION

Nearly two-thirds of our MRKH syndrome study group women with surgically created neovaginas were interested in UTx and motivated to undergo this method of absolute uterine factor infertility treatment. Therefore, this group of women might be approached to participate in ongoing and future UTx trials. Future studies of women with MRKH syndrome might confirm or disprove the results of our survey.

Vaginal reconstruction with the modified rectosigmoid colon: surgical technique, long-term results and sexual outcomes

Although vaginal reconstructions with intestinal segments require particularly complex surgical procedures, this technique has become popular with respect to fairly good functional and esthetic outcomes. This study describes cases of vaginal reconstruction performed using a modified rectosigmoid colon held in an ischemic state in order to reduce secretion and denervated in order to prevent defecation problems. Vaginal reconstructions with rectosigmoid colon were performed on 43 patients. In this retrospective study, 34 patients had Müllerian agenesis, while nine had undergone male to female sex reassignment surgery in which adequate vaginal depth had not been achieved. A rectosigmoid colon with its vascular pedicle was used and left in an ischemic state. All nerve structures within the pedicle were excised intraoperatively. Follow-up period was between 12 and 60 months. Partial necrosis occurred in one patient which was reconstructed with local flap. Hematoma developed beneath the skin incision in two cases, but resolved with conservative treatment. A good esthetic outcome was achieved in all cases. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in 15 patients. Fourteen out of 15 patients scored above 26.5 on this scale and were determined as having no sexual dysfunction (FSFI score ≥26.5). In conclusion, vaginal reconstruction with denervated rectosigmoid held in an ischemic state appears to be a reasonable option among several available reconstruction techniques.

Obstructive Müllerian Anomalies in Menstruating Adolescent Girls: A Report of 22 Cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical course of obstructive Müllerian anomalies found in girls after menarche.

DESIGN

A retrospective case series of adolescents who, between 2009 and 2016, were treated for vaginal or uterine obstructive malformations diagnosed after menarche.

SETTING

Division of Gynecology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.

PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Twenty-two patients who, at the age range between 11.4 and 18.2 (median, 13.1) years, between 2 and 74 (median 7.5) months after menarche, underwent surgical repair of obstructive genital anomaly.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Müllerian defect type, presentation, radiologic findings, pre- and postoperative course.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (18 of 22; 81.8%) were diagnosed with obstructed hemivagina ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome. One patient (1 of 22; 4.5%) was diagnosed with uterus didelphys and unilateral cervical atresia. Three patients (3 of 22; 13.6%) had unicornuate uterus with a cavitated, noncommunicating rudimentary horn. The right side was affected in 13 patients (13 of 22; 59.1%), and the left side in 9 patients (9 of 22; 40.9%; P > .05). All but 1 patient had renal agenesis on the side of obstruction. Before repair of the obstructive genital anomaly, 4 patients underwent unnecessary surgeries for misdiagnosed ovarian cysts. Serious complications (pelvic inflammatory disease, vesicovaginal fistula) occurred in 2 patients with microperforated pyocolpos. Pelvic endometriosis was found in 4 of our patients.

CONCLUSION

Our case series suggests that obstructed hemivagina ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome is the most common obstructive Müllerian anomaly diagnosed in adolescents after menarche. The differential diagnosis for unilateral kidney agenesis accompanied by dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls should include obstructive genital tract anomaly. Accurate diagnosis of an obstructive genital anomaly early after menarche might help prevent unnecessary surgeries and infection-related complications. Meanwhile, prompt surgical correction of an obstructive genital tract anomaly results in relief of symptoms and might reduce the risk of endometriosis.

Transverse Vaginal Septum: Report of Two Patients with MRI Findings

The transverse vaginal septum is a rare form of Mullerian duct anomaly, and is a disorder of vertical fusion of Mullerian system with the sinovaginal bulb. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is very useful in the detection, classification and management planning of this rare anomaly. We present two cases of transverse vaginal septum in two patients of different age groups and with different clinical presentations. The findings on MRI, related to presence of vaginal septum and the management work-up, are also discussed.

Decidualization is Impaired in Endometrial Stromal Cells from Uterine Rudiments in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Uterine rudiments from patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) contain all tissues typically found in the uterus. Endometrium from the rudiments predominantly exhibits basalis-like features, and endometrial proliferative capacity in patients' epithelium and stroma is significantly lower.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective study conducted at a major German university hospital compared in-vitro decidualization in cultured ESCs from MRKHS patients and hysterectomy controls. Primary ESC cultures were established from both sources. Hormone-induced prolactin and IGFBP-1 secretion served as a measure of their ability to undergo decidualization in response to hormonal stimulation. Expression levels of 8 key marker genes of decidualization were also determined.

RESULTS

At day 9, mean secretion of prolactin and IGFBP-1 was significantly reduced by 89.0% and 99.5%, respectively, in MRKHS ESCs vs. hysterectomy controls, both indicating impaired decidualization of MRKHS ESCs. Key decidual markers confirmed impaired decidualization in MRKHS patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the ESCs from MRKHS patients lack hormone responsiveness as a potential sign of dysfunctional hormone receptor function, which may also play a role in the onset of MRKHS. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings, directly address receptor function, and elucidate the role of other potential determinants of uterine development and adult function.

[Two Surgical Cases of Müllerian Cyst Arising From the Posterior Mediastinum]

We experienced 2 cases of Müllerian cyst. Case 1 was a 48-year-old woman with a paravertebral cystic tumor. The tumor grew from 23 to 31 mm in diameter for the 3 years. She underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS) for the excision of the tumor. Case 2 was a 40-year-old woman with a paravertebral cystic tumor, who underwent VATS. The Histological finding showed that the tumors of both cases were the cysts lined by non-stratified cuboidal to columnar epithelium and epithelial cells were positive in the nucleus with estrogen receptor immunohistochemically. The resected cysts were finally diagnosed as Müllerian cyst. Twenty four published cases of Müllerian cyst were reported before, including symptomatic and growing cases. There were some reports of malignant transformation in cases of pelvic origin.

Quadro-Cornuate Uterus

Congenital malformations of the female genital tract are a group of miscellaneous deviations from normal anatomy with diverse spectrum. Mullerian anomalies are thought to be present in 0.5% of female population. Three quarter of women remain asymptomatic, the remaining quarter presents with a variety of symptoms including primary amenorrhea, cyclical pain, severe dysmenorrhea, pelvic mass, ectopic pregnancy, infertility and recurrent miscarriages. The American Fertility Society (AFS) classification has been the most widely used classification for categorizing these abnormalities. Recently, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)/European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) proposed another classification system of female genital anomalies which provides a comprehensive description and categorization of almost all of the currently known anomalies. This case report describes a 23-year, married, parous woman with severe dysmenorrhea. Workup revealed a right adnexal mass which preoperatively was consistent with noncommunicating horn(s) of uterus. Peroperatively a new entity, a uterus with four cornua, was seen.

Laparoscopic Davydov Procedure for the Creation of a Neovagina in Patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome: Analysis of 7 Cases

OBJECTIVE

Several surgical techniques have been described for creating a neovagina in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, however as yet there is no standardized treatment. The aim of this report is to assess anatomic and functional outcomes after the laparoscopic Davydov procedure for the creation of a neovagina in patients with MRKH syndrome.

METHODS

Seven patients with MRKH syndrome underwent the laparoscopic Davydov technique from January 2005 to August 2010. The anatomic and functional results were evaluated after 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months.

RESULTS

The surgical procedure was performed with no major complications except in one case in which an intraoperative bladder injury occurred and was successfully corrected. The mean duration of surgery was 162.9 minutes (range, 120-230 min). Mean lengths/widths (cm) of the neovagina were 6.4/2.6, 6.5/2.5, 6.5/2.8, 6.4/2.8, 7.1/2.8, and 7.2/2.8 at 3, 6,12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 postoperative months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic Davydov procedure seems to be a safe and effective surgical treatment for patients with MRKH syndrome if postoperative intermittent self dilation was done.