Hybrid septate uterus, coexistence of bicornuate and septate varieties: a genuine report

Cervical Cancer in a Septate Uterus with Double Cervix and Double Vagina: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Septate uterus with duplicate cervices and double vagina is a rare Müllerian duct anomaly mostly found in labor or gynecological examination. We present a case of a 40-year-old asymptomatic parous patient diagnosed with double cervix and complete vaginal septum. She was admitted to hospital due to abnormal histopathology of suspicious cervical squamous papillary carcinoma post-salpingectomy. Her genital malformation was seriously addressed due to the cervical lesion. The diagnosis of cervical cancer in the left cervix and LSIL in the right cervix was made after LEEP conization. She received laparoscopic hysterectomy with salpingectomy and partial vagina wall resection for radical resection of the lesion. We report this case to present irregular findings during colposcopy, hysterectomy, and histopathology.

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.

Surgical management of congenital uterine anomalies (including indications and surgical techniques)

The prevalence of congenital uterine anomalies (CUA) is reported to be 4.3-6.7% in the general population, 3.4%-8% in the infertile population, and 12.6-18.2% of those with recurrent miscarriages. They are the result of abnormal formation, differentiation, and fusion of the Müllerian or paramesonephric ducts during fetal life. To date, various classification systems have been proposed for the categorization of CUA, but the recently introduced ESHRE/ESGE classification seems to be a new, clear, and systematic categorization, which could be the basis for clinicians to rely on when they refer to CUA and their clinical impact either generally or concerning pregnancy outcomes. CUA are apparently related to an impaired reproductive outcome, while their exact clinical impact as well as the effectiveness of their treatment remain considered controversial. Surgery is indicated in women presenting with symptoms related to specific uterine anomalies, especially in those with fertility problems. In this review, indications, surgical techniques for the repair of CUA according to their classification, and fertility and pregnancy outcomes before and after surgery will be thoroughly reviewed.

The robotic metroplasty in a patient with hybrid septate variant anomaly

Complete uterovaginal septum is unusually associated with an obstructed left hemivagina and hemiuteri. Herein we present a case report of "hybrid septate variant" anomaly diagnosed in a 16-year-old girl. The uterine septum could not be completely removed hysteroscopically because of the obstructed vagina and thick uterine septum; therefore an abdominal approach, robotic metroplastic surgery was performed. We propose that the robotic technology has advantages over the classical laparoscopy related with the surgical correction of Müllerian anomaly.

Combined laparoscopic and hysteroscopic approach for the treatment of a hybrid Müllerian duct anomaly: a case report

Müllerian duct anomalies include a wide spectrum of genital tract defects resulting from a development alteration of the genital tract. An 11-year-old girl with a hybrid septate variety uterus with left hemi-obstruction was identified. Beside preoperative imaging evaluation done with ultrasound, magnetic resonance, and hysterosalpingography, a combined laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedure was fundamental for the diagnosis. The surgical procedure also allowed us to perform a successful and safe treatment. We propose that the American Fertility Society classification of these anomalies should be revised and that hybrid entities should be considered in the differential diagnosis of genital tract malformations.

The ESHRE/ESGE consensus on the classification of female genital tract congenital anomalies

STUDY QUESTION

What classification system is more suitable for the accurate, clear, simple and related to the clinical management categorization of female genital anomalies?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The new ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies is presented.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Congenital malformations of the female genital tract are common miscellaneous deviations from normal anatomy with health and reproductive consequences. Until now, three systems have been proposed for their categorization but all of them are associated with serious limitations.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) have established a common Working Group, under the name CONUTA (CONgenital UTerine Anomalies), with the goal of developing a new updated classification system. A scientific committee (SC) has been appointed to run the project, looking also for consensus within the scientists working in the field.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The new system is designed and developed based on (i) scientific research through critical review of current proposals and preparation of an initial proposal for discussion between the experts, (ii) consensus measurement among the experts through the use of the DELPHI procedure and (iii) consensus development by the SC, taking into account the results of the DELPHI procedure and the comments of the experts. Almost 90 participants took part in the process of development of the ESHRE/ESGE classification system, contributing with their structured answers and comments.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The ESHRE/ESGE classification system is based on anatomy. Anomalies are classified into the following main classes, expressing uterine anatomical deviations deriving from the same embryological origin: U0, normal uterus; U1, dysmorphic uterus; U2, septate uterus; U3, bicorporeal uterus; U4, hemi-uterus; U5, aplastic uterus; U6, for still unclassified cases. Main classes have been divided into sub-classes expressing anatomical varieties with clinical significance. Cervical and vaginal anomalies are classified independently into sub-classes having clinical significance.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The ESHRE/ESGE classification of female genital anomalies seems to fulfill the expectations and the needs of the experts in the field, but its clinical value needs to be proved in everyday practice.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies could be used as a starting point for the development of guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

None.

The ESHRE-ESGE consensus on the classification of female genital tract congenital anomalies

The new ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies is presented, aiming to provide a more suitable classification system for the accurate, clear, correlated with clinical management and simple categorization of female genital anomalies. Congenital malformations of the female genital tract are common miscellaneous deviations from normal anatomy with health and reproductive consequences. Until now, three systems have been proposed for their categorization, but all of them are associated with serious limitations. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) have established a common Working Group, under the name CONUTA (CONgenital UTerine Anomalies), with the goal of developing a new updated classification system. A scientific committee has been appointed to run the project, looking also for consensus within the scientists working in the field. The new system is designed and developed based on: (1) scientific research through critical review of current proposals and preparation of an initial proposal for discussion between the experts, (2) consensus measurement among the experts through the use of the DELPHI procedure and (3) consensus development by the scientific committee, taking into account the results of the DELPHI procedure and the comments of the experts. Almost 90 participants took part in the process of development of the ESHRE/ESGE classification system, contributing with their structured answers and comments. The ESHRE/ESGE classification system is based on anatomy. Anomalies are classified into the following main classes, expressing uterine anatomical deviations deriving from the same embryological origin: U0, normal uterus; U1, dysmorphic uterus; U2, septate uterus; U3, bicorporeal uterus; U4, hemi-uterus; U5, aplastic uterus; U6, for still unclassified cases. Main classes have been divided into sub-classes expressing anatomical varieties with clinical significance. Cervical and vaginal anomalies are classified independently into sub-classes having clinical significance. The ESHRE/ESGE classification of female genital anomalies seems to fulfil the expectations and the needs of the experts in the field, but its clinical value needs to be proved in everyday practice. The ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies could be used as a starting point for the development of guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment.