Multiple variants of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome - one clinical center case series and the systematic review of 734 cases

Hemihysterectomy in a patient with uterus didelphys, vaginal septum and ipsilateral renal agenesis: A case report and literature review

Uterus didelphys is a rare Müllerian anomaly, often diagnosed during menarche or in women with a personal history of infertility and/or recurrent pregnancy loss. Its association with other genitourinary anomalies is frequent and may determine the existence of established syndromes. This case report refers to a 13-year-old female patient diagnosed with OHVIRA syndrome (Obstructed Hemivagina with Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis), a condition wherein the presence of a didelphic uterus is associated with hemivagina obstruction and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The patient presented with cyclic pelvic pain, related to the presence of hematocolpos and hematometra, which persisted despite several surgical approaches, including vaginal septum excision and correction of cervical stenosis. The recurrence of the condition indicated exploratory laparotomy, revealing two hemi-uteri and two uterine cervixes, with hematometra on the right. A subtotal hemihysterectomy was performed on the right. Post-procedure, the patient developed with regular menstrual cycles and improvement of pelvic pain complaints. Given the limited prevalence and low index of suspicion, the potential requirement for surgical intervention and its potential impact on reproductive future, diagnosing and treating OHVIRA syndrome and other Müllerian anomalies poses notable challenges in clinical practice. Hence, sharing different therapeutic approaches of a rare diagnosis with the scientific community is of paramount importance to aid in early diagnosis and effective management of similar clinical cases.

OHVIRA syndrome: clinical implications of a delayed diagnosis

Obstructed Hemi Vagina with Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rarely encountered müllerian duct anomaly. Delayed diagnosis is common due to normal onset of puberty and menstruation. We report a case of a woman in her early 20s with a background history of multiple emergency department visits, ward admissions and surgeries for chronic abdominal pain. She was reviewed at 1 month postlaparotomy for recurrent pelvic abscess and was finally diagnosed to have an OHVIRA syndrome, 11 years after her first clinical presentation. Excision of the vaginal septum completely resolved her symptoms. We are reporting this case to highlight the clinical implications resulting from the delayed diagnosis, to look into factors contributing to the delay and to highlight the importance of having a high index of suspicion to diagnose this unique condition.

Early-onset severe ovarian endometriosis in adolescents with completely obstructed Müllerian anomalies accompanied by ipsilateral renal agenesis: two case reports

Endometriosis is known to occur frequently in adolescents with obstructed Müllerian anomalies. Our cases emphasize that endometriosis can rapidly progress to a severe stage in obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome, one of the completely obstructed Müllerian anomalies. The first patient was a 14-year-old girl who complained of cyclic abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a uterine didelphys with unilateral hematocolpos and a left adnexal endometrioma. The second, an 11-year-old girl, visited the hospital complaining of cyclic abdominal pain, had a unicornuate uterus with a functioning horn and left adnexal endometrioma. Also, both patients had unilateral renal agenesis. The surgery in both cases revealed Stage IV endometriosis. Adjuvant hormone therapy was administered for 1 year, and there was no recurrence until 3 years after surgery. We emphasize that patients diagnosed with renal agenesis should be screened to check for gynecological anomalies when menstrual cramps occur after menarche.

Vaginoscopic resection of hemivagina, in a 20-year-old virgin female with prior misdiagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome as a bicornuate uterus: A case report

Key Clinical Message

OHVIRA syndrome can be misdiagnosed due to its rarity, resulting in the need for more invasive interventions than vaginoscopy. Also, delayed diagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome can affect patient's quality of life by leading to chronic gynecological diseases such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Abstract

Obstructive hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome is one of the infrequent congenital Mullerian duct anomalies characterized by obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. This study presents a 20-year-old virgin female who was diagnosed with OHVIRA syndrome and treated by vaginoscopy using the hymen preservation technique. Also, she was misdiagnosed with non-communicating rudimentary uterine horn 4 years ago. Late or misdiagnosis of OHVIRA syndrome can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, early diagnosis and management are crucial. OHVIRA syndrome's misdiagnosis is possible with other Mullerian duct anomalies, such as a rudimentary uterine horn. Also, patients with misdiagnosis undergo unnecessary interventions.

Significance of expeditious diagnosis and treatment following menarche in obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome: A case report

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome is a rare complex of structural abnormalities of female urogenital tract. Moreover, delayed treatment of this condition can reportedly lead to pelvic infection, endometriosis, and infertility. We present a rare case of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome wherein appropriate treatment was initiated early due to the identification of left renal agenesis. A 14-year-old girl visited the gynecology department due to worsening left lower abdominal pain after menarche. She was diagnosed with renal dysplasia in the pediatric department at the ages of 3 and 9 years, and it was recommended that she visits the gynecology department right after menarche. She experienced her first menarche at the age of 14 years. Imaging studies revealed uterine didelphys with occlusion of the left vagina and formation of hematocolpos. Additionally, hematomas were observed in the left uterine cavity and the left fallopian tube; left renal agenesis was confirmed. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this patient with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome and performed a surgical incision and excision of the closed left vaginal wall, resulting in the disappearance of the hematocolpos. Approximately 2 years postoperatively, the patient has remained recurrence-free. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving fertility in patients with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome, and early referral to the obstetrics and gynecology department is recommended if renal dysplasia is detected during childhood.

Obstructed Hemivagina Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis (OHVIRA) Syndrome-A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of the Sabah Population

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to compare the demographic characteristics, presenting complaints, timeliness of diagnosis, and treatments given to all patients diagnosed with obstructive hemivagina ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) between the adolescent group (age 10-19) and the adult group (age 20 and above) and to propose a feasible screening test consisting of routine bedside ultrasound to detect renal anomalies in addition to pelvic ultrasound during the assessment of females with gynecologic complications in resource-limited settings.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all patients with OHVIRA at our institution, Sabah Women and Children's Hospital, Malaysia, between the 2013 and 2022. Data were collected by reviewing patients' medical notes.

RESULTS

There were a total of 18 patients diagnosed with OHVIRA from 2013 to 2022, aged 10-41 years old. Nine patients (50%) presented during adolescence. Most (88.9%) came with symptoms such as abdominal pain, urinary symptoms, abnormal uterine bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and primary infertility, whereas only 2 patients (11.1%) were asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Acute abdomen was more common in the adolescent group (P = .015). No significant difference was found on the side of the renal anomaly.

CONCLUSION

Presenting symptoms vary and are often mimicked other gynecologic or surgical conditions, making the diagnosis difficult and delayed. Some patients were incidentally diagnosed while being managed for other problems, and it was not uncommon to have unnecessary surgery before the correct diagnosis was made. We suggest that all female patients with abdominal and pelvic complaints should be screened for renal anomaly during pelvic scan to improve diagnostic rates.

Obstructed Hemi-Vagina with Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis Syndrome in Adulthood: A Diagnostic Challenge

A patient in her early 20s presented with constant and progressive lower abdominal and back pain, mainly on the right side of the abdomen, purulent vaginal discharge and pyrexia. A radiological assessment revealed a possible tubo-ovarian abscess and the incidental diagnosis of ipsilateral renal agenesis. The patient was treated for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); however, after antibiotic administration and since the symptoms did not resolve, an abdominal MRI was requested, which revealed uterus didelphys with two cervices, an obstructed haemivagina and evidence of haematocolpos. The diagnosis of Obstructed Hemi-Vagina with Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome was confirmed, and the patient underwent the excision of the vaginal septum, the drainage of the haematopyocolpos and the laparoscopic drainage of the tubo-ovarian abscess. She achieved a good recovery.

Anatomical variations, treatment and outcomes of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: a literature review of 1673 cases

PURPOSE

This study aimed to perform a systematic review of patients with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) and present the prevalence of symptoms, anatomical variants, endometriosis, surgical interventions, and short- and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A structured search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and studies published between 1 January, 2000 and 19 April, 2022 were included. The following data on HWWS were recorded: symptoms, anatomical variations, surgical interventions and short- and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1673 patients were included in our analysis. The main symptoms were dysmenorrhea (53.8%), abnormal uterine bleeding (28.9%), and vaginal discharge (26.6%). The principal anomalies were right-obstructed hemivagina (57.3%), haematocolpos (81.7%), uterus didelphys (88.8%), and ipsilateral renal agenesis (93.1%). A majority of patients belonged to classification 1.1 (46.7%), with a blind hemivagina, and classification 2.1 (39.2%), with a small communication between two vaginas. The mainstay of treatment was vaginal septum excision (91.8%). Minimally invasive surgery (48.5%) was performed only after vaginal surgery (61.9%), and only a few patients required a second surgery (2.2%). Endometriosis was found in 9.6% of the patients. Fifty-two percent of them had ipsilateral ovarian endometriosis cysts. Pregnancy rate of these patients was 72.1%. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes was 22.4%. The caesarean section rate was 61.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HWWS presented with nonspecific symptoms and demonstrated various combinations of anomalies. The most common anatomical variants are classifications 1.1 and 2.1. Vaginal septum excision is effective in relieving symptoms and preventing complications, with hysteroscopic surgery as an option where there is concern about protecting the hymen from minor injury. The pregnancy rate for these patients after surgery was satisfactory, and the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes after surgery was acceptable. We advise females with urological anomalies to be screened for Müllerian anomalies because of the close association between these two types of anomalies. Thus, HWWS contributes to the occurrence of endometriosis; however, more research is required to investigate the relationship between pelvic endometriosis and HWWS.

OHVIRA syndrome: hysteroscopy and intraoperative sonography - a value addition in the management

We report a postpubertal case of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome who presented with dysmenorrhoea and light menstrual flow. Imaging modalities confirmed the diagnosis after which vaginal septal incision and drainage was performed. In addition, we also performed vaginoscopy using hysteroscope, both preincision and postincision and drainage, to visualise the vagina and to exclude any communication between two hemivaginas. Completeness of drainage was ensured by performing intraoperative sonography. In a few instances, communication (fistula or microperforation) between the two hemivaginas would result in spontaneous haematocolpos decompression, mimicking normal menstrual flow and often delaying diagnosis. The role of direct visualisation under hysteroscopy should be emphasised in such cases. We postulate that hysteroscopy and intraoperative sonography may aid in better diagnostic and therapeutic management in such cases.

Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly Syndrome: A Systematic Review about Diagnosis and Surgical Management

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare congenital defect of the Müllerian ducts characterized by uterus didelphys, unilateral obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the main symptoms and presentation of the OHVIRA syndrome, as well as the different types of management, fertility, and obstetrical outcomes. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases since inception to May 1, 2022, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. After duplicate records removed, the search strategy retrieved 103 articles. The full texts of 73 articles further were assessed for eligibility, and 44 studies were finally included in the systematic review. The mainstay surgical treatment of OHVIRA syndrome is usually a minimally invasive vaginal approach to remove the septum. Ultrasound-guided hysteroscopic resection and laparoscopic resection of the septum have been described as alternatives. Considering the feasibility of minimally invasive approach for the management of the syndrome, laparotomy should be avoided as much as possible and considered only in selected cases.

Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis Syndrome in a Neonate

Obstructed hemivagina with an ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is a congenital malformation that presents as a uterine didelphys with an obstructed hemivagina and an associated ipsilateral renal aberration. The clinical symptoms usually manifest after menarche. Unlike the typical presentation in adolescence, this case report features a neonatal presentation of OHVIRA syndrome with an unusual renal association. A female twin delivered at 35 weeks of gestation was transferred to our institution after birth from an outside hospital due to respiratory distress and for evaluation of the left multicystic dysplastic kidney identified on prenatal ultrasound. Physical examination and lab results, including a complete blood count, and a basic metabolic panel, including blood urea and serum creatinine, were within the normal range for age. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound showed multicystic dysplastic left pelvic kidney, congenital hepatic cyst measuring 6 mm, uterine didelphys with duplication of the vaginal canal, and obstructed left hemivagina corresponding to the OHVIRA syndrome. Further testing revealed a normal chromosomal microarray, small patent foramen ovale on the echocardiogram, no vertebral or rib anomalies on the spinal x-ray, normal hearing test, and mild optic cupping on the ophthalmological evaluation. The pediatric surgeon and urologist recommended an outpatient follow-up and elective surgery in the future. This is a unique case presenting in the neonatal period with an unusual association. Timely intervention can help prevent obstetric complications.

Endometriosis in Adolescents with Obstructive Anomalies of the Reproductive Tract

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and course of endometriosis in adolescents with obstructive Müllerian anomalies.

METHODS

The study group involved 50 adolescents undergoing surgeries (median age 13.5 (range 11.1-18.5)) for rare obstructive malformations of the genital tract: 15 girls had anomalies associated with cryptomenorrhea and 35 were menstruating. The median follow-up period was 2.4 (ranging from 0.1 to 9.5) years.

RESULTS

We diagnosed endometriosis in 23 of the 50 subjects (46%), including 10 of the 23 patients (43.5%) with obstructed hemivagina ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome (OHVIRAS), six of eight patients (75%) with a unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating functional horn, two of three patients (66.7%) with distal vaginal aplasia, and five of five patients (100%) with cervicovaginal aplasia. Persistent dysmenorrhea, following treatment, affected 14 of the 50 adolescents (28%), including 8 of the 17 subjects (47.1%) diagnosed with endometriosis at the time of surgical correction and six adolescents diagnosed with endometriosis during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometriosis affects about half of young adolescents undergoing surgical treatment of obstructive Müllerian anomalies after menarche. The incidence of endometriosis is highest in girls with cervical aplasia. The risk of developing endometriosis decreases after surgical correction of obstruction but is still significant in patients with uterine anomalies.

Reconsidering the best minimally invasive approach for patients with herlyn-werner-wunderlich syndrome: Should we push the frontiers for a better outcome?

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare congenital defect of the Mullerian ducts characterized by uterine didelphys, unilateral obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. It frequently presents during puberty, with complications such as pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Surgical management is the mainstay treatment. A vaginal access for septum resection is usually used. However, it can be in difficult in several situations such as a very proximal septum with a small bulge, or in the case of virgin patients with social considerations regarding the hymenal ring integrity. Thus, a laparoscopic approach may be a beneficial alternative. In particular, laparoscopic hemi hysterectomy has recently gained remarkable interest due to its added benefit of treating the cause rather than treating only the symptoms. It removes the source of the bleeding, thus stopping the flow. However, it transforms a bicornuate uterus into a unicornuate uterus, leading to some obstetrical concerns. Should we push the frontiers further and consider laparoscopic hemi hysterectomy for better outcomes as the mainstay management of patients with OHVIRA syndrome?

A novel combination of OHVIRA syndrome and likely causal variant in UMOD gene

OHVIRA syndrome (or Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome) is a rare condition, consisting classically of obstructed hemi-vagina with ipsilateral renal agenesis. It may be associated with complex uterine malformations and more rarely with lower urinary tract anomalies. The contralateral kidney usually has normal function. A genetic etiology of this syndrome has not yet been confirmed. We report a patient who was diagnosed to have unilateral renal agenesis in early childhood, and then presented after menarche with features of OHVIRA syndrome. The contralateral kidney was relatively small and echogenic, and serum creatinine and uric acid were raised. A likely causal variant of the UMOD gene was detected on whole exome sequencing. Genetic studies in more patients with OHVIRA syndrome may elucidate further, whether the association with UMOD gene is causal in nature.

Preoperative MRI presentations of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is a rare complex female urogenital anomaly, with diverse anatomical presentations. Due to obstruction, most patients with HWW syndrome need to be addressed surgically. The treatment strategy should be tailored to the different anatomical variants of each patient. Therefore, a detailed and comprehensive preoperative evaluation is needed. In this review, we describe the embryology and clinical manifestations of HWW syndrome and discuss and illustrate its diverse preoperative magnetic resonance imaging presentations to guide clinical treatment.

Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly (OHVIRA) - A Fetal Autopsy Case

BACKGROUND

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by uterus didelphys, unilateral obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal anomaly.

CASE

Autopsy performed on a third trimester stillborn fetus unexpectedly revealed uterine didelphys, an obstructed left hemivagina, and a left pelvic, atrophic, duplex kidney, with both left ureters entering the obstructed left hemivagina. Furthermore, the fetus had an imperforate anus, a single right umbilical artery, and spina bifida occulta.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Although rare, OHVIRA is a well-documented congenital anomaly. However, prior to this case, there had been no description of OHVIRA in an autopsy or in a fetus. Furthermore, the association of OHVIRA, anorectal malformation, and spinal bifida has never been reported. By sharing this case, we hope to increase the awareness of this entity among perinatal healthcare providers and to help further elucidate genitourinary embryology, which is still not fully understood.

Reassessment of Surgical Procedures for Complex Obstructive Genital Malformations: A Case Series on Different Surgical Approaches

The objective of this case series was to describe different uterus-preserving surgical approaches and outcomes in patients with complex obstructive Müllerian duct malformation caused by cervical and/or vaginal anomalies. A retrospective analysis was performed including patients undergoing uterovaginal anastomosis (n = 6) or presenting for follow-up (n = 2) at the Department for Gynecology at the University of Tuebingen between 2017 and 2022. Uterovaginal anastomosis was performed with a one-step combined vaginal and laparoscopic approach (method A), a two-step/primary open abdominal approach with primary vaginal reconstruction followed by abdominal uterovaginal anastomosis after vaginal epithelization (method B) or an attempted one-step approach followed by secondary open abdominal uterovaginal anastomosis due to reobstruction (method A/B). Patients presented at a mean age of 15 years. Two patients were treated by method A, four by method B and two by method A/B. Functional anastomosis was established in seven of eight patients, with normal vaginal length in all patients. Concerning uterovaginal anastomosis, the primary open abdominal approach with or without previous vaginal reconstruction seems to have a higher success rate with fewer procedures and should be implemented as standard surgical therapy for complex obstructive genital malformations including the cervix.