Uterus didelphys with blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome) suspected on the presence of hydrocolpos on prenatal sonography

Prenatal hydrocolpos: imaging findings and differential diagnosis

Prenatal hydrocolpos is characterized by fluid distension of the vagina. Hydrocolpos can be caused by multiple underlying etiologies and often demonstrates overlapping imaging features compared to other cystic abdominal and pelvic lesions. The purpose of the current pictorial essay is to provide a systematic prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to differentiating the primary etiologies leading to hydrocolpos. After discussing the fundamental embryological processes involved in vaginal development, the current essay discusses the most common causes of hydrocolpos with their associated prenatal and postnatal imaging features. An approach to distinguishing the more common differential diagnoses is provided. Given the implications of parental counseling and postnatal management, this essay provides an important approach for narrowing differential diagnoses based on prenatal imaging.

Case Report: Neonate Presenting with Acute Kidney Injury Secondary to Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly (OHVIRA) Syndrome: Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome describes a spectrum of Mullerian anomalies characterized by uterine didelphys, unilateral obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal anomalies. We report the case of a neonatal complication secondary to OHVIRA syndrome with long-term follow-up, adding to the collective understanding of this syndrome.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a 22-day-old female with an acute kidney injury secondary to post-renal obstruction from a large hydrometrocolpos. Multidisciplinary care facilitated timely diagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome and temporizing operative management. The patient was followed serially into her adolescence and ultimately underwent definitive excision of her vaginal septum.

DISCUSSION

OHVIRA syndrome encompasses a broad spectrum of anatomical variation with different considerations in prepubertal and postpubertal patients. Multidisciplinary care allows for timely diagnosis and clinical decision-making within this complex patient population.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome also known as obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly: A case report and a comprehensive review of literature

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, also known as obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA), is a Müllerian duct anomaly. It is a rare clinical condition consisting of a duplicated uterus with an oblique vaginal septum that causes partial genital tract outflow obstruction. A urinary tract anomaly, most commonly renal agenesis, is usually present on the obstructed side. The diagnosis of genital tract outflow obstruction is often delayed due to the normal functioning of the unaffected side. The most frequent complications are dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, infection, infertility and endometriosis. This report describes a 17-year-old G0P0 patient with a history of severe dysmenorrhea and left-sided renal agenesis, who was admitted for complaints of foul vaginal discharge over the past 3 months that was unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics. Transrectal ultrasound revealed the presence of 2 separate hemicavities on transverse and longitudinal views. A cystic lesion with ground-glass opacities was detected between the bladder and a normal-appearing cervix, which was determined to be hematocolpos. The diagnosis of OHVIRA was made. This case highlights the importance of excluding a Müllerian anomaly in the presence of renal system abnormalities. Being aware of the type of anomalies, combinations and variants is crucial to determine the diagnosis and the best surgical approach. Ultrasound was an invaluable imaging exam to determine the type of anomaly and its complexity. Awareness of this syndrome and its variants will prevent misdiagnosis and will help to define the appropriate treatment for these patients.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis (OHVIRA) Syndrome

Background: Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome, also known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, is a rare syndrome characterized by the triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Most cases of OHVIRA have been reported in adolescents or adults. Gartner duct cysts, including those manifesting as vaginal wall cysts, are also rare. Fetal OHVIRA syndrome and Gartner duct cysts are difficult to diagnose. Case Presentation: Here, the authors report a case of combined OHVIRA and Gartner duct cyst diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography, along with a brief review of the relevant published reports. A 30-year-old nulliparous female was referred to our institution at 32 weeks’ gestation for fetal right kidney agenesis. Detailed ultrasonographic examinations using 2D, 3D, and Doppler ultrasounds revealed hydrocolpometra, and uterus didelphys, with a normal anus and right kidney agenesis. Conclusions: When encountering female fetuses with ipsilateral renal agenesis or vaginal cysts, clinicians should be aware of OHVIRA syndrome and Gartner duct cysts and perform systematic ultrasonographic examinations for other genitourinary anomalies.

OHVIRA syndrome: Early recognition prevents genitourinary complications

Introduction

The obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is characterized by the triad uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal dysplasia. To make a radiological diagnosis, knowledge of this syndrome is of paramount importance. Early recognition may prevent complications such as unnecessary surgical procedures, endometriosis, and infections, which could adversely affect fertility.

Case report

A 1-day-old female newborn in whom a right-sided cystic kidney abnormality was seen on antenatal ultrasound was admitted with anuria and intralabial mass. Besides the multicystic dysplastic right kidney, ultrasound revealed a uterus didelphys with right-sided uterus dysplasia, an obstructed right hemivagina, and an ectopic ureteric insertion. The diagnosis of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome with hydrocolpos was made and the hymen was incised. Later, ultrasound helped in diagnosing a pyelonephritis in the afunctional right kidney that was not draining into the bladder (hence no culture could be obtained), requiring intravenous antibiotics and a nephrectomy.

Discussion

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome is an anomaly of the Müllerian and Wolffian ducts of unknown cause. Patients typically present after menarche with (progressive) abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, or urogenital malformations. In contrast, prepubertal patients can present with urinary incontinence or an (external) vaginal mass. The diagnosis is confirmed by an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Follow-up includes repeated ultrasounds and monitoring of kidney function. Treatment consists of drainage of the hydrocolpos/hematocolpos; in some cases, further surgery is indicated.

Conclusion

Consider obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome in girls with genitourinary abnormalities: early recognition prevents complications later in life.

OHVIRA (Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly or Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome): Is it time for age-specific management?

BACKGROUND

OHVIRA (Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly or Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome) is a rare Müllerian malformation. Usually, symptoms begin with worsening dysmenorrhea in post-menarche adolescents. The management in pre-menarche period is controversial and has only recently been subject of study.

AIMS

To review the experience of a pediatric tertiary center and to propose an age-specific management protocol for patients diagnosed before menarche.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study (review of medical records - period 2009-2021).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed (mean age 11.9 years), seven (25%) before menarche, one (3%) perinatally. One patient had Floating-Harbor syndrome. Twenty-three patients had ipsilateral renal agenesis, while five had a multicystic-dysplastic kidney. The contralateral kidney showed hypertrophy in 25 patients, pelvicalyceal ectasia in 8 and dysplasia in 1. Twenty-four patients were symptomatic. Three of the seven diagnosed prior to menarche had symptoms. All post-menarche diagnosed patients were symptomatic. Twenty-six patients underwent surgery (one-stage drainage, vaginal septal resection, and vaginoplasty). Asymptomatic pre-menarche patients were followed-up until surgery after menarche onset. No patient underwent surgery prior to menarche solely for OHVIRA diagnosis. At follow-up (median 3.5 years, 3 lost to follow-up), eighteen patients were asymptomatic, one developed endometriosis, one had impaired renal function, two needed reoperations.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-menarche OHVIRA patients, without symptoms, should undergo regular follow-up until the onset of menarche. Surgery must be considered in post-menarche or symptomatic patients. Post-operative, long-term follow-up is required, evaluating both renal and gynecological issues.

LEVEL-OF-EVIDENCE

IV.

Clinical spectrum of female genital malformations in prenatal diagnosis

Introduction

Fetal genital malformations represent a rare and heterogeneous group of congenital malformations of the disorders of sexual development (DSD) spectrum.

Methods

A thorough literature review on the main topics in the prenatal approach towards DSD was conducted.

Results

First, a thorough overview on prenatal characteristics of the most common fetal genital malformations of ovaries, uterus and external genitalia, and second, a standardized approach for differential diagnosis in the presence of direct and indirect prenatal signs of DSDs.

Conclusions

This review is mainly directed towards the aspects of female genital malformations with  aspects of male DSD explained as well to aid in the prenatal differential diagnosis.

Síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Objetivo:

Presentar un reporte de caso de síndrome de Herlyn Werner Wunderlich (SHWW) y hacer una revisión de la literatura para determinar los hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos en estas pacientes.

Materiales y métodos:

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 16 años que consultó, en un hospital de las fuerzas militares en Bogotá, por dolor pélvico recurrente, su diagnostico final fue SHWW. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en las diferentes bases de datos, revisiones sistemáticas, cohortes, series de casos y reportes de casos en pacientes con diagnóstico de SHWW en cualquier edad, se obtuvo información sobre las características de presentación clínica, y las tecnologías diagnósticas más frecuentemente utilizadas. Se hace resumen narrativo de los hallazgos.

Resultados:

Se incluyeron 77 publicaciones, un total de 676 pacientes. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron dismenorrea (63,9 %), seguido de dolor pélvico (35,2%). Las tecnologías diagnósticas más utilizadas fueron el ultrasonido pélvico en un 92,1% y la resonancia magnética nuclear en un 74,6% de los casos. La histeroscopia y laparoscopia son poco utilizados en el diagnóstico.

Conclusión:

El SHWW es una entidad poco frecuente, debe hacer parte del estudio complementario de la agenesia renal del paciente pediátrico y del diagnóstico diferencial de la dismenorrea primaria en pacientes en la adolescencia. Se requiere evaluar con estudios de cohorte más grandes la utilidad de la histeroscopia en estas pacientes.

New Consideration of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome Diagnosed by Ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

As a rare malformation of the female reproductive system, Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) was categorized into 3 classifications. It was recommended recently that, on the basis of the past classification, cervicovaginal atresia without communicating uteri should be newly added as classification 4. The surgical intervention will differ by type. To better optimize patient counseling as well as the preoperative evaluation and planning, our objective was to describe the ultrasound characteristics of each type of HWWS, including the new type.

METHODS

From January 1995 to November 2015, 37 cases of HWWS in with complete ultrasound information confirmed by surgery in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital were reviewed. We analyzed their ultrasound features, including hematometra, hematocervix, hematocolpos, and an ovarian chocolate cyst.

RESULTS

All of the ultrasound images of the 37 patients showed uterus didelphys with ipsilateral renal agenesis. Compared with the other 3 types, classification 4 showed distinctive ultrasound characteristics. Most cases of classification 4 showed hematometra (5 of 7 [71.4%]) and an ipsilateral ovarian chocolate cyst (6 of 7 [85.7%]), which was significantly higher than in the other 3. A rudimentary uterine horn was also a distinctive characteristic in this type. Meanwhile none of the classification 4 cases showed hematocervix or hydrocolpos, which were common signs of the other 3.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this new classification criteria for HWWS, ultrasound characteristics of the new classification 4 differ from the others. As classification 4 was suggested to have a different surgical option, we should pay attention to its ultrasound characteristics, which might help in providing more information about the treatment and prognosis to the gynecologist.

Síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich. Reporte de caso

Introducción. El síndrome de Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (SHWW) es una malformación congénita rara del tracto urogenital que se caracteriza por la triada útero didelfo, hemivagina obstruida y anomalía renal ipsilateral, y que suele diagnosticarse después de la menarquia. Su tratamiento consiste en resección del tabique vaginal y drenaje de la hemivagina obstruida, con un buen pronóstico postquirúrgico. Presentación del caso. Mujer de 22 años con un cuadro clínico de 9 años de evolución que inició cuando tuvo su primera menstruación, consistente en dismenorrea, dolor pélvico y ciclos menstruales irregulares, quien asistió al servicio de ginecología de un hospital de segundo nivel en Sogamoso, Boyacá (Colombia). La paciente reportó haber visitado múltiples especialistas y recibido tratamiento con vitamina E, metformina y anticonceptivos, sin mejoría de los síntomas y signos. Luego de ser valorada, y teniendo en cuenta los hallazgos en ecografía y resonancia magnética, fue diagnosticada con SHWW, por lo que se le realizó colpotomía más resección de masa paracervical derecha de aproximadamente 60x60 mm y de tabique vaginal, lográndose la resolución completa de los síntomas. Finalmente, 10 meses después de la cirugía, la joven refirió encontrarse en estado de embarazo, sin presentar complicaciones. Conclusión. El SHWW es una malformación poco común que debe considerarse como diagnóstico diferencial en mujeres de cualquier edad con anomalías de los conductos paramesonéfricos, dolor pélvico, dismenorrea y masa en el tracto genital, pues su diagnóstico temprano y un tratamiento oportuno mejoran considerablemente la calidad de vida de estas pacientes al reducir la severidad de los síntomas, disminuir la incidencia de complicaciones y mejorar el pronóstico obstétrico.

Diagnosis, management, and outcome of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA syndrome): Is there a correlation between MRI findings and outcome?

AIM

To review the experience of a single tertiary center with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA syndrome) and evaluate if MRI findings correlate with outcome.

METHODS

Patients (n = 32) diagnosed with OHVIRA syndrome between 2001 and 2019 were analyzed. Presenting symptoms, age of menarche, age at operation, MRI findings, management, and outcome were reviewed. In sagittal MRI planes, distance from hematocolpos to perineum was measured. Measurements were compared among patients who underwent single-stage vaginoplasty and hemihysterectomy.

RESULTS

Mean age at diagnosis and mean age of menarche was 16.8 ± 6.4 (10-33) and 12.8 ± 1.0 (10-15). Main presenting complaints were abdominal pain/dysmenorrhea. Eighteen anomalies (56.3%) were on right side. Twenty-eight had ipsilateral renal agenesis, 3 patients had normal renal anatomy and one had unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney. In MRI, 21 patients had hematocolpos, 11 patients had both hematocolpos and hematometra. 28 patients underwent single-stage vaginoplasty and vaginal septum resection. One had hemihysterectomy due to sepsis at presentation. Three patients had hemihysterectomy due to proximal vaginal septum and impossibility of vaginoplasty. During follow-up, 7 cases (21.9%) had married and 5 of these (71.4%) were pregnant or had delivered. Five patients had reoperation during follow-up. MRI images of 19 patients indicated mean distances from hematocolpos to perineum whom underwent vaginoplasty or hemihysterectomy were 33.9 ± 18.1 mm (10-79 mm) and 87.3 ± 11.0 mm (80-100), respectively (p = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

Gold standard treatment of OHVIRA syndrome is single-stage vaginoplasty. Distance from hematocolpos to perineum in MRI may correlate with surgical outcome. Hemihysterectomy may be an alternative for extreme proximal vaginal septum or infectious complications.

Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich Syndrome: Case report of a newborn presenting with interlabial cyst

A newborn with Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich Syndrome presented with interlabial cyst. The cyst was punctured and instilled with contrast medium for cystography to demonstrate the anatomy. Simple resection of the hemivagina septum at the same sitting resolved the obstruction. Early interventions done to clinch diagnosis and institute treatment would help to prevent future complications associated with menses retention and preserve fertility.

Point-of-care Ultrasound Aiding in the Diagnosis of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome

We present a case of a 12-year-old female with a history of congenital solitary kidney presenting to an academic pediatric emergency department (ED) in acute abdominal pain. Using ultrasound as the initial diagnostic modality, the patient was found to have Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS), an abnormal development of the Müllerian system during embryogenesis resulting in obstructed hemivagina with resulting hematometrocolpos. The patient presented with undifferentiated abdominopelvic pain, and in the course of the ED workup was diagnosed with a disorder infrequently encountered by emergency physicians. We present a case of markedly abnormal point-of-care ultrasound findings prompting additional studies, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of HWWS during the initial ED visit.

Screening for Mullerian anomalies in patients with unilateral renal agenesis: Leveraging early detection to prevent complications

BACKGROUND

Mullerian anomalies have a known association with renal agenesis yet, to date, there are no formal recommendations for screening women with certain renal anomalies for associated genital tract disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to review current data regarding the association between renal and Mullerian anomalies, and propose screening recommendations.

STUDY DESIGN

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify relevant articles using the keywords "unilateral renal agenesis," "renal anomalies," and "Mullerian anomalies."

RESULTS

Over 30% of patients with unilateral renal agenesis have an associated Mullerian anomaly. However, diagnosis is frequently delayed in this population until after menarche when complications of retrograde menstruation with obstructive anomalies lead to significant problems including endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. No clear guidelines exist for communication among the antenatal sonographer, the obstetrician, the parents, and the child's pediatrician, which creates a barrier to effective screening and follow-up. Further, no current guidelines exist for screening women with certain renal anomalies for Mullerian anomalies.

DISCUSSION

The complications of Mullerian anomalies are easily preventable if identified early. We propose new guidelines for education and screening for Mullerian anomalies in patients with unilateral renal agenesis (URA) and multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) to guide providers, patients, and parents on proper identification and management (Table).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening young women with URA and MCDK for Mullerian anomalies has the potential to prevent long-term complications from untreated obstructive malformations. Identification of unilateral renal agenesis on antenatal ultrasound must be clearly articulated with parents and the child's pediatrician so that proper screening can be performed before menarche. Pelvic sonography is a low-cost, high-yield screening tool to identify these anomalies.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Hydro(metro)colpos: A Series of 20 Cases

BACKGROUND

Hydrocolpos and hydrometrocolpos are rare malformations caused by accumulation of secretion due to congenital obstruction of the vagina. Hydro(metro)colpos may be isolated or can be combined with other malformations as part of a syndromic disorder. We report on a series of 20 cases with hydro(metro)colpos diagnosed prenatally, delineate the differential diagnoses, and illustrate the spectrum of associated malformations.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study involving 20 fetuses with hydro(metro)colpos at two large tertiary referral centers in Germany over an 18-year period (2000-2017).

RESULTS

The median diagnosis was made at 30+4 weeks of gestation, the earliest at 20+6 weeks, the latest at 37+2 weeks. All 20 fetuses presented with the typical cystic structure behind the fetal bladder. Additional malformations included urogenital malformations, hexadactyly, and heart defects. Postnatal follow-up revealed that hydro(metro)colpos was associated with anorectal malformation in 11/20 fetuses, McKusick-Kaufman syndrome or Bardet-Biedl syndrome in 4/20 fe tuses, Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome in 3/20 fetuses, and Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome in 1/20. In 1 fetus pressure from an intraabdominal teratoma resulted in prenatal hydro(metro)colpos.

CONCLUSION

Hydro(me tro)colpos is a rare prenatal sonographic feature. Multidisciplinary prenatal counseling should include all potential syndromes that can present with hydro(metro)colpos in the prenatal setting.

Clinical Implications of Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly (OHVIRA) Syndrome in the Prepubertal Age Group

Purpose

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by Müllerian duct and renal anomalies. It is usually regarded as a disease of adolescence; however, due to a number of possible problems, the management of patients before puberty should not be overlooked. We assessed the clinical course of prepubertal patients to propose appropriate management.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively assessed 43 prepubertal OHVIRA syndrome patients who were diagnosed and followed up at our institution from July 2004 to June 2015. We reviewed medical records, focusing on presentation, radiologic findings, surgical management, and the overall clinical course.

Results

Median age at diagnosis was 1.3 months and median follow-up period was 25.5 months. The most common accompanying ipsilateral urologic anomalies were ectopic ureter and ureterocele, while the most common contralateral anomaly was vesicoureteral reflux. During the follow-up period, six patients (14.0%) required surgery at a median age of 31.2 months due to recurrent urinary tract infection, uncontrolled vaginal distention compressing adjacent organs, urinary incontinence, or intractable abdominal pain.

Conclusions

While OHVIRA syndrome is known as a postpubertal disease, about 13% of prepubertal patients in our study required surgery. When ectopic ureter insertion into the vagina is present, further treatment may be needed to address the complications caused by continuous urine production. Patients should be monitored for complications arising from either obstructed hemivagina or renal anomalies with regular follow-up, especially before the age of five years.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich and Prader-Willi syndromes: more than a coincidence?

A neonate with a prenatal diagnosis of left renal agenesis was born at 33 weeks gestation. A postnatal abdominal ultrasound confirmed the absence of the left kidney and revealed two non-divergent hemiuteri, consistent with the diagnosis of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome. During admission, significant axial hypotonia was noted, warranting additional investigations. Brain ultrasounds and MRI were normal, as were a preliminary metabolic study and comparative genomic hybridisation array. DNA methylation testing confirmed the diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome. The baby was discharged after 70 days, breast feeding and with modest hypotonia improvement.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Developmental Anomalies of the Uterus and the Vagina in Pediatric Patients

Developmental anomalies of the uterus and the vagina are associated with infertility and miscarriage and are most commonly detected in the postpubertal age-group. These conditions may also present in younger patients as a mass or pain owing to obstruction of the uterus or the vagina. Associated urinary tract anomalies are common, as well. Accurate diagnosis and thorough description of these anomalies is essential for appropriate management; however, evaluation may be difficult in an immature reproductive tract. Magnetic resonance imaging technique pertinent to imaging of the pediatric female reproductive tract is presented and illustrated along with the findings associated with various anomalies.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: An "early" onset case report and review of Literature

•

We describe a case of a 3 years old girl, with all features of Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) who came to our attention for lower abdominal mass.

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Only six cases are reported in Literature with early onset of this syndrome under 5 years.

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The aim of this article is to share our experience and focus the attention on the importance of high level of suspicion of HWWS in neonatal period to early diagnosis and treatment.

•

The possible early presentation of this syndrome should be suspected in all neonates (females) with renal agenesia confirmed postnatally or with prenatal diagnosis.

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An error of evaluation with planning of removal of mass, that can damage patients in term of chance for a successful reproductive outcome.

•

Our team consider HWWS as differential diagnosis in newborn with prenatal ultrasonography of a cystic mass behind the urinary bladder in the absence of a kidney and plan a pelvic ultrasound (with aim to identify an uterus, normal or dydhelfus, and presence or absence of pelvic mass), an examination under anesthesia and cisto-vaginoscopy, if it is necessary. A high level of suspicion, indeed, is the key to early diagnosis.

Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a rare congenital mullerian anomaly consisting of uterus didelphys, hemivaginal septum, and unilateral renal agenesis [1,2]. Most authors reported cases of Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome with prepuberal or postpuberal onset with cyclical abdominal pain and a vaginal mass (3–8). Only six cases are reported in Literature with early onset of this syndrome under 5 years (9–14). Our case is about 3 years old girl, with all the features of this syndrome who came to our attention for lower abdominal mass. The aim of this article is to share our experience and focus the attention on the importance of high level of suspicion of HWWS in neonatal period to early diagnosis and treatment. The possible early presentation of this syndrome should be suspected in all neonates (females) with renal agenesia confirmed postnatally or with prenatal diagnosis. It is common, in fact, an error of evaluation with planning of removal of mass, that can damage patients in term of chance for a successful reproductive outcome. For all these reasons, our team consider HWWS as differential diagnosis in newborn with prenatal ultrasonography of a cystic mass behind the urinary bladder in the absence of a kidney and plan a pelvic ultrasound (with aim to identify an uterus, normal or dydhelfus, and presence or absence of pelvic mass), an examination under anesthesia and cystoscopy and vaginoscopy, if it is necessary. A high level of suspicion, indeed, is the key to early diagnosis.

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome should be redefined as ipsilateral renal anomalies: cases of symptomatic atrophic and dysplastic kidney with ectopic ureter to obstructed hemivagina

OBJECTIVE

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare syndrome characterized by mullerian and renal anomalies. Renal agenesis is classically considered to be part of the definition of OHVIRA syndrome. There are increasing reports that the lack of an ipsilateral kidney on imaging studies is not from true renal agenesis but renal dysplasia and atrophy. We have observed cases where this ipsilateral dysplastic and atrophic kidney leads to clinical symptoms. The objective of this study is to report cases of OHVIRA syndrome where an ipsilateral dysplastic and atrophic kidney led to clinical symptoms, and to raise awareness in the pediatric urology community of this variant of OHVIRA syndrome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All cases of OHVIRA syndrome with an ipsilateral dysplastic and atrophic kidney were identified from January 2010 to June 2013. The patient's presentation, clinical course, surgical management, radiologic findings, and pathologic finding were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were three cases of OHVIRA syndrome with a symptomatic ipsilateral dysplastic and atrophic kidney identified. All three of these dysplastic and atrophic kidneys had an ectopic ureter to the obstructed hemivagina and led to persistent vaginal drainage after resection of the vaginal septum. These dysplastic and atrophic kidneys were not visualized on any imaging studies. Laparoscopic removal of the dysplastic and atrophic kidney led to cessation of vaginal drainage in all cases.

CONCLUSION

This study reports additional cases to the literature that do not fit the classic definition of OHVIRA syndrome. In the cases in this study, there was no ipsilateral renal agenesis, but an ipsilateral dysplastic and atrophic kidney with an ectopic ureter to the obstructed hemivagina. In addition, these cases demonstrate that the dysplastic and atrophic kidney may cause symptoms such as persistent vaginal drainage after resection of vaginal septum. The dysplastic and atrophic kidneys may not be detected by any imaging modality including MRI and DMSA scan and may be ectopic in location. All three of our cases had persistent vaginal drainage after resection of the vaginal septum which was cured by removal of the dysplastic and atrophic kidney ipsilateral to the obstructed hemivagina. The limitations of this study include the small number of patients and retrospective nature. While the classic definition of OHVIRA syndrome includes ipsilateral renal agenesis, there is increasing evidence that the absence of a kidney on imaging is due to renal dysplasia and atrophy and not true renal agenesis. In addition, we have observed that this dysplastic and atrophic kidney may cause clinically significant issues such as persistent vaginal drainage through an ectopic ureter to the ipsilateral hemivagina after resection of vaginal septum. This small dysplastic and atrophic kidney may not be visualized on imaging studies and laparoscopy can be diagnostic and therapeutic if indicated. Ipsilateral renal anomalies, not ipsilateral renal agenesis, should be considered part of the definition of OHVIRA syndrome. Pediatric urologists need to be aware of the spectrum of renal anomalies in OHVIRA syndrome.

Scoliosis in Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: a case report and literature review

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a congenital Müllerian duct anomaly characterized by uterine didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Little is reported about spinal deformity associated with this syndrome. This study presents a case of scoliosis occurring in the setting of HWWS and explores the possible association between the 2 diseases. A previously unreported scoliosis in HWWS is described. The patient is a 12-year-old Chinese female with scoliosis that underwent a posterior correction at thoracic 5-thoracic 12 (T5-T12) levels, using the Moss-SI (Johnson & Johnson, American) spinal system. At 24-month follow-up, the patient was clinically pain free and well balanced. Plain radiographs showed solid spine fusion with no loss of deformity correction. Six months after scoliosis correction surgery, the patient went to our clinics for the treatment of HWWS. She was performed a vaginal septum resection and detected with pyocolpos. Her follow-up was symptom free at the fourth postoperative month. The prevalence of scoliosis among patients with HWWS was 8.57% that is much higher than the incidence of congential scoliosis among general population (1/1000). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of HWWS with thoracic scoliosis. During surgery, surgeons and anesthesiologists must pay particular attention to the Müllerian duct anomaly and renal agenesis associated with HWWS. There is a potential association between congenital scoliosis and HWWS.