Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Report of a Prenatally Recognised Case and Review of the Literature

A case of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome with exacerbation of hematometra after adnexectomy

A 27-year-old nulliparous woman presented with a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen and abdominal pain. A left ovarian tumor, uterus didelphys, left renal agenesis, and left vaginal atresia were observed on imaging. The ovarian tumor was presumed to have caused the abdominal pain, and an abdominal left adnexectomy was performed. After 3 months, she reported severe lower abdominal pain during menstruation. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed uterine enlargement. After 17 days, the patient presented with abdominal pain and fever. She was diagnosed with peritonitis due to infection and left uterine hematometra. Because she did not improve with antibiotic treatment, left laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed. Subsequently, she did not experience the lower abdominal pain. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment based on the morphology of the reproductive tract and symptoms must be considered in patients with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome. Treatment must permit the outflow of menstrual blood.

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.

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.

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.

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 (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.

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.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome and its complications: A report of two cases and literature review

Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a rare congenital malformation characterized by uterus didelphys, unilateral blind hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The obstructed vagina affects menstrual flow, leading to related clinical symptoms after menarche. However, the age of onset, initial symptoms, and clinical complications differ among patients owing to the different types of vaginal septum. Herein, we report 2 cases. The first case is of a 20-year-old woman who presented with fever; she was diagnosed with vaginitis and pelvic inflammation due to the vaginal septum with ostiole. The second case is of a 12-year-old girl who complained of abdominal pain; she was diagnosed as having pelvic inflammation, omentitis, and suppurative appendicitis due to the atretic vaginal septum.

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.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: A Case Report on a Congenital Uterine Anomaly With Literature Review

During fetal development, abnormalities during Mullerian duct formation can lead to varied types of uterine, cervical, or vaginal anomalies. Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome (HWWS) is a rare, congenital Mullerian duct anomaly characterized by the triad of uterine didelphys, obstructed hemi-vagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. If the diagnosis is delayed or missed, permanent sequalae such as chronic pain, infection, and infertility can result. This is a case of a 16-year-old woman with heavy vaginal bleeding and menstrual cramping in which sonography was used in the diagnosis of HWWS. Sonography plays a vital role in this diagnosis, as it is the most common initial imaging examination. For this reason, it is important that the characteristics of uterine anomalies, like HWWS, be recognized with sonography. It is important that this diagnosis is made early and treatment can be initiated to prevent irreversible complications.

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA): Early diagnosis, treatment and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To describe and summarize the early diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA).

METHODS

Data from patients with OHVIRA treated at the study centre over the last decade were analysed retrospectively, including demographic characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Relevant published literature was also reviewed in this study.

RESULTS

In total, 11 cases were diagnosed with OHVIRA over the study period, ranging in age from 3 to 14 years (median 11 years). Four cases were asymptomatic, four had abdominal pain and three had urinary symptoms. All 11 cases underwent vaginoplasty. Ureteral bladder re-implantation (n = 1), dysplastic nephrectomy (n = 1), separation of labia minora adhesions (n = 1), perineoplasty (n = 1) and urethroplasty (n = 1) were performed. Cases were followed up for 2 months to 8 years (median 5 years) with good follow-up outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the cases in this study and the relevant literature, ultrasound appears to be an effective method for the diagnosis of OHVIRA. Experienced ultrasonographers are able to achieve a high corrected diagnosis rate. The differential diagnosis of OHVIRA should be considered by paediatric surgeons, urologists, emergency physicians and gynaecologists when they identify patients with didelphys uterus or renal agenesis. Early surgery can reduce the risk of potential genital tract infection and gynaecological complications.

Clinical characteristics and management of patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis

AIM

To analyze the clinical characteristics and management of patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 17 patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis admitted to the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between June 2007 and December 2019.

RESULTS

The median age at surgery was 23 years. The most common presenting complaint was infertility. Seven (41.2%) patients were misdiagnosed previously. The obstruction was complete in five patients. All 17 patients underwent vaginoplasty, in which seven adolescent girls underwent vaginoscopic vaginal septum resections. Eight patients underwent hysteroscopic resections of the uterine septum for infertility or spontaneous miscarriage. Laparoscopy was performed in seven patients for specific indications, and only one patient was found to have pelvic endometriosis during the laparoscopy. During the follow-up, seven patients wished to conceive, and there were five living infants (four cesarean deliveries at term and one preterm vaginal delivery).

CONCLUSION

Complete septate uterus with double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis is an variant of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome. Consequently, healthcare providers should be aware of this potential variant.

Case Report: Uterine Anomalies in Girls With a Congenital Solitary Functioning Kidney

Unilateral renal agenesis and multicystic dysplastic kidney, resulting in a contralateral solitary functioning kidney (SFK), are part of the broad spectrum of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). In girls with SFK, screening for asymptomatic Müllerian anomalies of uterus and vagina is not yet routinely performed, and therefore often overlooked until clinical complications in the menstrual cycle or fertility process occur. In this case series, we report on four teenagers with congenital SFK presenting with menstrual problems due to a Müllerian anomaly. Routine peri-menarchal screening for Müllerian anomalies in girls with SFK may provide timely counseling, surgical treatment and prevention of associated complications such as endometriosis, infertility and miscarriages.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Comparison of Two Cases

BACKGROUND

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome is a rare malformation syndrome characterized by uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Symptoms appear most often after menarche and are secondary to hematocolpos. We compare clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of two patients, a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old.

CASE REPORT

Despite the non-uniform clinical symptoms, it should be noted that in both patients, the 13-year-old and the 17-year-old, hematocolpos, which was probably the cause of lower abdominal pain, was diagnosed with ultrasound. The diagnosis was complemented by laparoscopy, which determined the diagnosis of malformation of uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina. The patients had a history of kidney agenesis, which, after gynecological diagnosis, turned out to be ipsilateral. In the 13-year-old, agenesis was diagnosed by uroscintigraphy, while in the 17-year-old it was diagnosed by urography. Incision and drainage of the residual vagina was performed in the course of therapeutic management. In both cases, the clinical situation required a repeated widening of the orifice.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower abdominal pain accompanying hematocolpos suggested Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome (HWWS) as the cause of symptoms. 3D transvaginal ultrasound enabled the determination of a congenital uterine defect with high probability, although inconclusive cases required confirmation by laparoscopy. Incision of the blocked vagina and drainage of hematocolpos were the key components of treatment. The treatment of HWWS is a multi-step process.