Evaluation of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome with magnetic resonance imaging: Three patterns of uterine remnants and related anatomical features and clinical settings

Magnetic resonance imaging and clinical features of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: A 10-year review from a dedicated specialist centre

OBJECTIVE

To correlate the clinical history with imaging findings of women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A UK IOTA and ESGO-certified tertiary referral centre for disorders of reproductive development.

POPULATION

All patients with a diagnosis of MRKH and who had undergone an MRI pelvis between 1 January 2011 and 31 April 2021 were included.

METHODS

MRI images were analysed by specialist gynaecological radiologists. Clinical data was extracted from an electronic patient record system. Statistical analysis was computed in R (version 4.1.2), R base stats package and ggstatsplot (v0.5.0).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical history and predefined imaging features.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-four patients were included. Median age at MRI was 18 years (10-64 years). Half (48.2%) of women presenting had a history of pain, most often abdominal (84.6%) or vaginal (9.2%). Remnants were identified in 91.8% of women (n = 123). 4.5% of women had imaging features of endometriosis (n = 6). Women with a functional remnants were significantly more likely to experience pain (p < 0.001). Pain history was not strongly associated with ectopic ovarian position. Common gynaecological pathology such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and fibroids were also identified.

CONCLUSIONS

We identify that majority of women with MRKH will have uterine remnants with a connecting fibrous band, and an ectopic ovarian position 44.0% of cases. Abdominal pain was significantly associated with functional remnants on MRI. Further work is required to identify how other gynaecological pathology impacts women with MRKH.

[(Uro)genital developmental disorders]

CLINICAL ISSUE

Congenital anomalies of the urogenital tract are common, whereas isolated developmental disorders of the genital organs are rare and varied. The type and timing of imaging to characterize these developmental disorders and the planning of any treatment are the subject of discussion. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of embryology, diagnostic procedures, and examples of findings.

STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS

The primary procedure for imaging the genitals is sonography, which must be performed with appropriate empathy. In addition to the genitals, the general situation of the kidneys and urinary tract should be examined, as urogenital malformations are often combined. Dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is indicated as advanced imaging in interdisciplinary consultations. Invasive procedures, such as genitography combined with micturition cystourethrography (MCU) using X‑rays or contrast-enhanced sonography, are rarely required. Computed tomography (CT) or excretory urography play no role.

CONCLUSION

Imaging plays an important role in the assessment of genital anomalies. Knowledge of embryology facilitates anatomical understanding and the assessment of pathologies.

A Cohort of 469 Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome Patients-Associated Malformations, Syndromes, and Heterogeneity of the Phenotype

The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome is characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper two-thirds of the vagina. While it can appear as an isolated genital malformation, it is often associated with extragenital abnormalities, with little still known about the pathogenetic background. To provide an overview of associated malformations and syndromes as well as to examine possible ties between the rudimentary tissue and patient characteristics, we analyzed a cohort of 469 patients with MRKHS as well as 298 uterine rudiments removed during surgery. A total of 165 of our patients (35.2%) had associated malformations (MRKHS type II). Renal defects were the most common associated malformation followed by skeletal abnormalities. Several patients had atypical associated malformations or combined syndromes. Uterine rudiments were rarer in patients with associated malformations than in patients without them. Rudiment size ranged from 0.3 cm3 to 184.3 cm3 with a mean value of 7.9 cm3. Importantly, MRKHS subtype or concomitant malformations were associated with a different frequency of uterine tissue as well as a different rudiment size and incidence of endometrial tissue, thereby indicating a clear heterogeneity of the phenotype. Further research into the associated molecular pathways and potential differences between MRKHS subtypes is needed.

Imaging of Uterine Transplantation

Uterus transplantation (UTx) is a novel procedure being studied as a treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility. Imaging plays an important role throughout the life cycle of a uterus transplant. In this review, we will first describe the surgical technique of UTx. The article will then focus on the importance of imaging in the evaluation of potential recipients and donors and during the immediate post-surgical time course as graft viability is established. Imaging as part of including in vitro fertilization, pregnancy, and complications will also be discussed.

Atypical form of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: A case report

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is a congenital disorder syndrome characterized by failure of the uterine and vaginal organs to develop normally. The prevalence of MRKH is estimated to occur in about 1 in 5000 of female live births. A 25-year-old female patient comes to a general obstetric and gynecological polyclinic with complaints of not being able to menstruate at all since birth. There is a history of vaginal discharge but it is neither viscous nor had an odor. On ultrasound examination, the structure of the uterus and ovaries was not found in a normal place. On follow up MRI examination showed agenesis of the uterus and proximal two-third of the vagina accompanied by abnormal positioning of both ovaries, thus supporting to atypical form of MRKHS. The patient is not given drug therapy, but she was planned to transplant the uterine organs. This case report suggests MRKH syndrome can be characterized by ectopic ovaries and a uterus that is not fully developed and can also be accompanied by agenesis of the vaginal organs. Pelvic ultrasound is the main modality chosen to be performed in patients with symptoms of primary amenorrhea. When pelvic organs cannot be visualized properly, it will be performed MRI examination. MRI examination is known to have sensitivity and specificity up to 100% in diagnosing MRKH syndrome. This case report describes a 25-year-old woman with primary amenorrhea with MRKH syndrome. MRI is a sensitive and specific examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome type II with crossed fused renal ectopia: A rare case report

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by agenesis or aplasia of the uterus. Patients usually present with primary amenorrhea. MRKH can be isolated (type I) or accompanied by other malformations (type II) involving the kidney, skeletal, and vascular systems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the mainstay of imaging modality in evaluating this syndrome. A 20-year-old woman presented with cyclic abdominal pain and primary amenorrhea. Secondary sexual characteristics and hormone evaluation were normal. Ultrasound and MRI were conducted and revealed no normal uterus structure with ectopic ovarium and crossed fused ectopic renal.

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.

MRI Evaluation of Mullerian Duct Anomalies: Practical Classification by the New ASRM System

Objective

To describe variable mullerian duct anomalies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to classify these anomalies according to the available classification systems, namely the American Fertility Society (AFS) system, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) system, and the new American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) system.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Subjects

The pelvic MRI studies and the clinical records of 64 females with mullerian congenital anomalies were retrospectively reviewed between January 2010 and December 2021. The mean age was 22 years (age range 2–63 years).

Main Outcome Measures

Detailed imaging findings were recorded, and the resulting mullerian anomalies were then classified according to the three classification systems of interest.

Results

Variable mullerian anomalies were found among patients with multiple frequencies. Mullerian agenesis and hypoplasia were found in 12 patients (19%) and 16 patients (25%), respectively. Uterus didelphys was found in 5 patients (8%). Twelve (19%) patients had septate uterus, while 8 (12.5%) had a bicornuate anomaly. Unicornuate uterus was present in 7 patients (11%). Isolated vaginal anomaly was diagnosed in 4 patients (6%). Renal/urinary tract imaging was available for 27 (42%) patients, and accompanying urinary tract anomalies were noted in 10 of them (37%). Few ovarian and other extra-renal anomalies were observed.

Conclusion

MRI could efficiently delineate the mullerian anomalies regardless of their complexity. Most of these anomalies were more efficaciously categorized by the ESHRE and the new ASRM systems, compared to the originally widely used AFS system. The new ASRM classification was found to be more practical as it is a modification of the original AFS system, using drawings with clear descriptions instead of symbols. This is particularly helpful in the radiological era, saving time and effort.

Intestinal Obstruction Secondary to Malformation in a Child with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by underdevelopment of the uterus and vagina.

CASE

A 4-year-old girl was declared dead on arrival to the hospital with a history of chronic constipation since birth. Postmortem examination showed Müllerian remnants attached to abnormal fibrous tissue. The fibrous tissue extended from the descending colon to the rectum and connected to a urinary bladder duplication cyst. The fibrous tissue formed into a constricted band around the rectum. The cause of death was Streptococcus pyogenes sepsis with intestinal obstruction secondary to the rectal fibrotic band and urinary bladder duplication cyst.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

MRKH syndrome is a rare congenital disorder, and the malformations rarely cause death. We describe the features of abnormal fibrous tissue and urinary bladder duplication cyst in a patient with MRKH syndrome.

Magnetic resonance imaging of Müllerian anomalies in girls: concepts and controversies

Female Müllerian anomalies are the result of failure of formation, fusion or resorption of the Müllerian ducts and are relatively common, with a prevalence of 5.5-7.0% in the general population. While some of these anomalies are asymptomatic, those presenting with obstruction require accurate identification for optimal clinical management including potential surgical treatment. MRI is a useful adjunct to sonography in the evaluation of Müllerian anomalies, typically allowing a more complete characterization of the malformation. Technical aspects, embryologic concepts and controversies regarding classification systems are highlighted in this review. Several Müllerian anomalies are discussed and illustrated in more detail utilizing various cases with pelvic MRI studies.

Age-dependent phenotypes of ovarian endometriomas

Purpose

To analyze the characteristics of the ovarian endometrioma (OE) across the life span of a woman. In the past, the OE has traditionally been viewed as a single, monolithic disease. Today, there are emerging data indicating that OE phenotypes differ according to the age of the woman.

Method

A narrative review of original articles on OE indexed by PubMed.

Results

When appearing in infancy and early adolescence, OE may be the consequence of endometrial cells retrogradely shed with neonatal uterine bleeding. The post-menarcheal variant, manifesting itself during full adolescence, is singularly frequent in the presence of vaginal or uterine outflow obstructive anomalies. The typical and most frequent adult phenotype is characterized by increasing fibrosis and a tendency to progress; its mere presence exerts a detrimental effect on the surrounding healthy ovarian tissue. In postmenopause, an old lesion may be reactivated in the presence of exogenous or endogenous estrogens, or even be produced ex novo; rarely, it can spread to a variety of organs and structures and even degenerate causing malignancies.

Conclusions

Given the existence of these variants, it is important to agree on management guidelines that take into consideration these different phenotypes.

Müllerian Duct Anomalies: Role in Fertility and Pregnancy

Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) have important implications for the reproductive health of female patients. In patients with both infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, the incidence of MDAs is as high as 25%. Congenital uterine anomalies are often only part of a complex set of congenital anomalies involving the cervix, vagina, and urinary tract. Multiple classification systems for MDAs exist, each with different criteria that vary most for the diagnosis of septate uterus. Recognizing the features that guide clinical management is essential for interpretation. Identification of an MDA should prompt evaluation for associated urinary tract anomalies. In patients with infertility who seek to use assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination, recognition of MDAs may have an affect on reproductive success, particularly in patients who have an incomplete and clinically occult septum that divides the cervix. Two-dimensional US is the first-line modality for evaluating the uterus and adnexa. Three-dimensional (3D) US or MRI may help to visualize the external uterine fundal contour and internal indentation of the endometrial cavity, which are two morphologic characteristics that are keys to the diagnosis of congenital uterine anomalies. Hysterosalpingo contrast-enhanced US may be performed in conjunction with 3D US to evaluate uterine morphologic characteristics, the endometrial cavity, and tubal patency in a single examination. MRI helps to characterize rudimentary uteri in patients with müllerian hypoplasia and allows assessment for ectopic ureters, abnormally positioned ovaries, or associated deep infiltrative endometriosis. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ©RSNA, 2021.

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.

Evaluation and Management of Unexpected Functional Rudimentary Uteri in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome of Chinese Women

Objective

To elucidate the characteristics of symptomatic attack of rudimentary uteri in MRKH syndrome and highlight the rare and unexpected possibilities.

Methods

A cohort of 202 Chinese MRKH syndrome patients admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Jan 2009 to Dec 2016 was analyzed retrospectively. Based on the symptoms of abdominal pain before vaginoplasty, the patients were categorized into the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups.

Results

Totally, 21 patients had their uteri removed due to obstructive bleeding, 19 of them had symptoms of abdominal pain before vaginoplasty, the mean duration of abdominal pain before artificial vaginoplasty was 5.0 years (range, 0.5-10 years), and the mean age at first onset of recurrent abdominal pain was 14.3 years old (range 11-18). Two special cases showed unusual long incubation periods up to 23 years. Ultrasound detected endometrioid echo in four asymptomatic patients. Among the symptomatic group, 7 patients had no imaging evidence for endometrial cavities despite clinical pain. Two of them developed severe symptoms over the next two or four years and eventually had their uteri removed. Two patients reported persistent abdominal pain with a visual analog scale (VAS) score of 4-5, still under observation. Three patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

More than 10% of the patients with MRKH syndrome had surgical indication to remove the rudimentary uteri. The discrepancy between clinical symptoms and imaging calls for the vigilance for prophylactic surgery or prolonged follow-up.

Müllerian duct anomalies coincident with endometriosis: a review

The association between obstructed müllerian duct anomalies and endometriosis has been well established and the pathogenesis is attributed to the theory of retrograde menstruation. However, this relationship with endometriosis is less clear in women with unobstructed müllerian duct anomalies and in those with rudimentary uterine structures that lack functioning endometrial tissue. This article reviews the embryology, genetics, pathophysiology, and American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification for müllerian duct anomalies together with the genetics and pathophysiology of endometriosis to provide a framework for understanding the complex relationship between these two entities. Available published data examining the coexistence of endometriosis in relationship to müllerian duct anomalies, including studies that stratify this relationship according to specific classes of anomalies, are reviewed and organized. Awareness of the increased prevalence of endometriosis among patients with uterine anomalies, particularly those with outflow obstruction, may facilitate early diagnosis of endometriosis and subsequent intervention, with the potential to reverse disease symptoms and arrest disease progression.

MRI of female genital tract congenital anomalies: European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) guidelines

Objective

To develop imaging guidelines for the MR work-up of female genital tract congenital anomalies (FGTCA).

Methods

These guidelines were prepared based on a questionnaire sent to all members of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Female Pelvic Imaging Working Group (FPI-WG), critical review of the literature and expert consensus decision.

Results

The returned questionnaires from 17 different institutions have shown reasonable homogeneity of practice. Recommendations with focus on patient preparation and MR protocol are proposed, as these are key to optimised examinations. Details on MR sequences and planning of uterus-orientated sequences are provided.

Conclusions

The multiplanar capabilities and soft tissue resolution of MRI provide superb characterisation of the wide spectrum of findings in FGTCA. A standardised imaging protocol and method of reporting ensures that the salient features are recognised, contributing to a correct diagnosis and classification of FGTCA, associated anomalies and complications. These imaging guidelines are based on current practice among expert radiologists in the field and incorporate up to date information regarding MR protocols and essentials of recently published classification systems.

Key Points

• MRI allows comprehensive evaluation of female genital tract congenital anomalies, in a single examination.

• A dedicated MRI protocol comprises uterus-orientated sequences and vaginal and renal evaluation.

• Integration of classification systems and structured reporting helps in successful communication of the imaging findings.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00330-020-06750-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Typical and atypical pelvic MRI characteristics of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: a comprehensive analysis of 201 patients

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively evaluate the pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and summarize the typical and atypical characteristics.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 201 consecutive MRKH patients was carried out. Pelvic MRI was reviewed by two experienced gynecological radiologists in consensus. Characteristics including the morphology, signal pattern and volumes of the uterine rudiments, location and volume of the ovaries, and the degree of vaginal dysgenesis were evaluated. Other noted abnormalities were also recorded.

RESULTS

Morphologically, the majority (95%) of patients displayed bilateral uterine rudiments combined with a fibrous band. The minority of patients showed no (3.5%) or unilateral (1.5%) uterine rudiments. A total of 385 uterine rudiments were detected which showed four types of signal patterns: one-layer differentiation (325, 84.4%), two-layer differentiation (27, 7%), three-layer differentiation without subsequent alteration (23, 6.0%), and three-layer differentiation with hematometra and/or ipsilateral hematosalpinx (10, 2.6%). The median volumes of these four types of uterine rudiments were 2.6 ml (1.69-3.81 ml), 3.19 ml (2.67-4.51 ml), 6.05 ml (3.37-12.44 ml), and 31.97 ml (19.2-38.7 ml), respectively. The mean ovarian volume was 6.49 ± 3.91 ml. Abnormally located ovaries were detected in 63 (31.3%) patients. The distal vagina was discernable in 25.1% of patients.

CONCLUSION

MRKH patients typically display bilateral uterine rudiments combined with a fibrous band and normally located ovaries. The uterine rudiments are generally small with only one-layer differentiation, a subset of which might be large and exhibited other atypical presentations, including two- or three-layer differentiation or even hematometra. Abnormally located ovaries are not rare.

KEY POINTS

• Morphologically, MRKH patients typically displayed bilateral uterine rudiments combined with a fibrous band. • Typically, the uterine rudiments (84.4%) were small and displayed only one-layer differentiation. • About 15.6% of rudiments showed atypical characteristics including two- or three-layer differentiation, even complicated with hematometra or hematosalpinx.

New Frontier: Role of the Radiologist in Uterine Transplantation

Uterine transplantation (UT) is a novel treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI) that is currently being performed under experimental protocols in multiple medical centers worldwide. At the time of this publication, there have been at least 10 live births by women with a transplanted uterus. As successful outcomes from this innovative procedure increase, it is likely that more centers will perform UT. Imaging is performed in multiple steps of the UT process, including preoperative imaging of potential donors and recipients, posttransplant surveillance, and monitoring of pregnancy. Fetal imaging is performed by maternal-fetal medicine professionals, but most imaging examinations in UT are performed by radiologists. Given the significant role of imaging in this groundbreaking surgery, radiologists must be familiar with the causes of AUFI and the role of imaging in establishing this diagnosis. Radiologists working in medical centers where UT is performed should understand the role of imaging in preoperative planning and postoperative surveillance. While data regarding complications of UT are preliminary at best, radiologists must be aware of the risk of vascular compromise and graft failure and their imaging features. The authors provide a brief history of UT and define the radiologist's role in pre- and postoperative imaging assessments.^©RSNA, 2019.

Pelvic pain in patients with complex mullerian anomalies including Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH), obstructed hemi-vagina ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA), and complex cloaca

Caring for patients with congenital pelvic anomalies can be challenging in many ways but one crucial aspect is providing longitudinal into adulthood. Newborns with urinary, intestinal or vaginal obstruction require urgent operations to relieve obstruction followed by multiple reconstructive procedures involving the perineum. Openings are created in the pelvic floor musculature that did not exist in development. Adolescence presents further challenges for these postoperative patients while other diagnoses present for the first time in the peri-pubertal teenage years. Young adults can have new symptoms when they become sexually active and are faced with reproductive decisions. During all of these time periods, optimization of function is of paramount importance and patients who are suffering are not able to participate in school, sports or work. This study evaluates the prevalence of pelvic pain in newborns and adolescents with complex congenital pelvic anomalies, associated factors and possible treatment options.

MRI evaluation of pelvis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: interobserver agreement for surgically relevant structures

OBJECTIVES

Diagnostic role of MRI in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is well documented. Recent studies have shown the relevance of MRI in detailing the pelvic anatomy, particularly small Mullerian remnants. The results are, however, not consistent and reproducibility of MRI features has not been confirmed. The aim of our study was to evaluate the detailed pelvic anatomy in patients with MRKH syndrome and to calculate the interobserver agreement of the MRI features.

METHODS

The study was carried out on female patients, aged 15-30 years, with primary amenorrhea. Following clinical, gynaecological, endocrinological, ultrasound and chromosomal work-up and a provisional diagnosis of MRKH syndrome, MRI pelvis was performed on 25 patients using a 1.5 T scanner. MRI images were retrospectively reviewed by two radiologists for a detailed evaluation of Mullerian structures (uterine buds, fibrous bands, midline triangular soft tissue), vagina, and ovaries. κ coefficient was calculated as a measure of interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

Interobserver agreement was good to excellent (κ: 0.7788 ± 0.2168 to 1 ± 0) for uterine buds and their characteristics, vagina, ovaries and associated renal/vertebral anomalies; poor to fair for fibrous bands (κ: 0.2857 ± 0.3273 to 0.6032 ± 0.2149) and good for midline triangular soft tissue (κ: 0.7826 ± 0.1474).

CONCLUSION

MRI is capable of providing key pre-operative anatomical information in MRKH syndrome non-invasively. There is good to excellent interobserver agreement for MRI features of most of the surgical relevant structures.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

MRI features of salient preoperative anatomical structures are reproducible between observers.

Increased incidence of abnormally located ovary in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: a retrospective analysis with magnetic resonance imaging

PURPOSE

To explore the incidence of abnormally located ovary in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome as compared to a control group with magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS

Pelvic MR images of 83 MRKH patients and 60 age-matched normal females were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced gynecological radiologists in consensus. Characteristics including location of ovary, ovarian volume, and follicle counts were assessed. The incidence of abnormally located ovary was compared between MRKH patients and controls. The ovarian size and follicle counts were compared among three groups: abnormally located ovaries in MRKH patients, eutopic ovaries in MRKH patients, and normal controls.

RESULTS

In total, 166 ovaries of 83 MRKH patients and 120 ovaries of 60 control females were evaluated. Thirty-seven ovaries of 23 MRKH patients (28%, 23/83) were abnormally located, whereas 3 ovaries of three control females (5%, 3/60) were located in abnormal positions (P < 0.001). The mean volume was 9.2 ± 6.3 mL of the abnormally located ovaries in MRKH patients, 7.8 ± 4.0 mL of the eutopic ovaries in MRKH patients, and 8.9 ± 4.8 mL in control females (P > 0.05). No obvious differences were observed with regard to follicle counts among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of abnormally located ovary was significantly increased in patients with MRKH syndrome. Such knowledge is important for infertility treatment, evaluation of pelvic pain, and surgical planning for MRKH patients.