Vertebral defect, anal atresia, cardiac defect, tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia, renal defect, and limb defect association with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome in co-occurrence: two case reports and a review of the literature

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.

A rare case of Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser syndrome with right ectopic kidney diagnosed on MRI

Introduction

Meyer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome is rare congenital abnormality in females with a blind ending vagina. There can be associated hypoplasia of uterus. The syndrome is of sporadic origin and affects the reproductive life. Adequate and early diagnosis can help to rule out other associated anomalies.

Case presentation

We are presenting an interesting case of Mullerian agenesis in a 16-year-old female patient who came to our gynecology department of our hospital with complaints of primary amenorrhea. On imaging, it was found that she was a case of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome with ectopic kidney. On physical examination, affected individuals appear normal but there was agenesis of uterus which is the common cause of primary amenorrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging findings are discussed in this article. On karyotyping and hormonal evaluation, patient hormones were in range and karyotype was 46, XX.

Conclusion

MRI is mainstay for diagnosis of this condition although other modalities like ultrasound can diagnose hypoplastic uterus and ectopic kidney. A rudimentary uterus hampers the reproductive functioning, and patient needs counseling for the same.

Clinical features of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Haüser syndrome diagnosed at under 16 years old: results from a questionnaire survey conducted on all institutions of pediatric surgery and pediatric urology in Japan

PURPOSE

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Häuser syndrome (MRKH) usually presents with primary amenorrhea after puberty. The present study clarified the clinical features of MRKH diagnosed at under 16 years old.

METHODS

We conducted a questionnaire survey to determine the status of MRKH in Japan. Twenty-one MRKH patients were enrolled, and the patient background and clinical features were analyzed.

RESULTS

The median age at the diagnosis was 2.6 [1.0-9.0] years. Three patients (14.3%) were diagnosed with type I MRKH, while 18 (85.7%) were diagnosed with type II. The associated anomalies included (some cases overlapped): anorectal malformation (ARM) (n = 13, 72.2%), renal malformation (n = 12, 66.7%), vertebral malformation (n = 11, 61.1%), esophageal atresia (n = 5, 27.8%), and cardiac malformation (n = 4, 22.2%). The comparison of patients with and without ARM revealed that patients with ARM were significantly younger than those without ARM at the time of the diagnosis (1.5 [1-2.6] years vs. 9.1 [8.2-11.7] years, p < 0.05). Associated ARM was the most frequent reason for the diagnosis of MRKH (n = 10, 47.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

MRKH patients with some associated anomalies, especially ARM, were frequently diagnosed in preoperative imaging examinations or radical operation for ARM. Pediatric surgeons should pay close attention to female patients with ARM to prevent errors in the diagnosis of MRKH.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome: A rare case report from Nepal

Introduction

Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) is a rare congenital disorder with an incidence of 1 in 5000 females. It is characterized by uterovaginal aplasia with normal secondary sexual characteristics and genetic karyotype 46XX. The exact etiology of MRKH syndrome is not known.

Case presentation

We report a case of type 2 MRKHS with agenesis of left kidney.

Discussion

The diagnosis of MRKH mainly depends on imaging study. Transabdominal ultrasonography is the first line investigation but abdomino-pelvic MRI gives more precise and clear information than the prior. So, we suggested our patient to do MRI even though she had done ultrasonography earlier. The differential diagnosis includes congenital vaginal agenesis, low transverse vaginal septum, androgen insensitivity, and imperforate hymen.

Conclusion

This case presents that MRKH syndrome can occur with normal endocrine function and secondary sexual characteristics. Surgical correction by creating a neovagina is a good treatment method in young females for sexual intercourse.

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MRKH syndrome can occur with normal endocrine function and secondary sexual characteristics.

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Surgical correction by creating a neovagina is a good treatment method in young females for sexual intercourse.

An overview of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

ABSTRACT

Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are often-concomitant pathologies that primarily afflict neonates. The complications of these anomalies may lead to increased morbidity and mortality, and clinicians should be familiar with the diagnosis and management of these pathologies. Clinicians can improve patient outcomes by having a thorough understanding of the signs and symptoms, classification systems, diagnostic workup, and surgical intervention options for these patients. Early recognition and treatment are imperative in providing patients with the best opportunity for recovery.

Neovagina creation in congenital vaginal agenesis: New mini-laparoscopic approach applying intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence

Background. There is still no standardized treatment for vaginal agenesis; surgical repair using a minimally invasive technique is a good option, as it offers rapid results along with a fast postoperative recovery. Objective. To describe a new modified Vecchietti procedure by a mini-laparoscopic approach with intraoperative use of indocyanine green fluorescence technology for the creation of a neovagina in the setting of congenital vaginal agenesis. Methods. Retrospective review of all cases of congenital vaginal agenesis submitted to a mini-laparoscopic modified Vecchietti procedure with intraoperative use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence (between June and September 2019). Patient relevant medical history, surgical technique, postoperative care, outcomes, and complications are described. Results. Four patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (mean age: 19 years; mean preoperative vaginal length: 1.5 cm) were included in the study. The procedure was completed successfully and uneventfully in all patients. External traction device was removed 5-7 days after surgery and replaced by external vaginal silicone dilators. This technique was able to create 10-11 cm neovaginas in 1 week; six weeks after surgery all patients had an epithelized 10.5-12 cm length and 2.5-3 cm diameter neovagina. Complications consisted of one case of isolated fever at the ninth postoperative day, solved with empiric antibiotic treatment. Conclusion. The mini-laparoscopic modified Vecchietti approach, associated with ICG fluorescence imaging, is feasible and effective in the treatment of congenital vaginal agenesis, as it is a simple and safe procedure with promising outcomes.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: a comprehensive update

BACKGROUND

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also referred to as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital disorder characterized by aplasia of the uterus and upper part of the vagina in females with normal secondary sex characteristics and a normal female karyotype (46,XX).

MAIN BODY

The diagnosis is often made during adolescence following investigations for primary amenorrhea and has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000 live female births. MRKH syndrome is classified as type I (isolated uterovaginal aplasia) or type II (associated with extragenital manifestations). Extragenital anomalies typically include renal, skeletal, ear, or cardiac malformations. The etiology of MRKH syndrome still remains elusive, however increasing reports of familial clustering point towards genetic causes and the use of various genomic techniques has allowed the identification of promising recurrent genetic abnormalities in some patients. The psychosexual impact of having MRKH syndrome should not be underestimated and the clinical care foremost involves thorough counselling and support in careful dialogue with the patient. Vaginal agenesis therapy is available for mature patients following therapeutical counselling and education with non-invasive vaginal dilations recommended as first-line therapy or by surgery. MRKH syndrome involves absolute uterine factor infertility and until recently, the only option for the patients to achieve biological motherhood was through gestational surrogacy, which is prohibited in most countries. However, the successful clinical trial of uterus transplantation (UTx) by a Swedish team followed by the first live-birth in September, 2014 in Gothenburg, proofed the first available fertility treatment in MRKH syndrome and UTx is now being performed in other countries around the world allowing women with MRKH syndrome to carry their own child and achieve biological motherhood.

CONCLUSION

Several advances in research across multiple disciplines have been made in the recent years and this kaleidoscopic review provides a current status of various key aspects in MRKH syndrome and provides perspectives for future research and improved clinical care.

Aberrant DNA methylation in the PAX2 promoter is associated with Müllerian duct anomalies

PURPOSE

Abnormalities during Müllerian duct and female reproductive tract formation during embryonic development result in Müllerian duct anomalies (MDA). Previous studies have identified a role for mutations in related genes and DNA copy number variation (CNV). However, the correlation between gene methylation and MDA remains to be understood.

METHODS

Endometrial tissues were collected from patients with septate (n = 23) or normal uterus (n = 28). We detected the methylation status of CpG sites and mRNA levels of nine candidate genes, including HOXA10, EMX2, TP63, ITGB3, PAX2, LHX1, GSC, WNT4, and H19, using MethyTarget and quantitative real-time polynucleotide chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, we detected three hypomethylated CpG sites (P < 0.05) and increased mRNA levels of PAX2 (P < 0.05) in individuals with MDA. HOXA10, EMX2, TP63, ITGB3, LHX1, and GSC had 1, 1, 2, 1, 5, and 2 differentially methylated CpG sites (P < 0.05), respectively, but there were no significant differences in their mRNA levels (P > 0.05). WNT4 and H19 did not show differences in methylation (P > 0.05) and mRNA levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Aberrant DNA methylation within the promoter of PAX2 may contribute to the development of MDA by regulating its gene expression. However, the methylation status of HOXA10, EMX2, TP63, ITGB3, LHX1, GSC, WNT4, and H19, may not contribute to the development of MDA.

[Place of ultrasound in the management of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome. Observational study from 2000 to 2017 within university hospital of Strasbourg]

OBJECTIVES

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is the most common cause of congenital absence or severe hypoplasia of structures derived from Muller's canals including the upper vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes. The definition of this syndrome is the presence of normal female secondary sexual development criteria relating to the presence of functional ovaries associated with vaginal agenesis and uterine anomalies ranging from a rudimentary uterus to the total absence of uterus. The main clinical sign of MRKH is primary amenorrhea. Confirmation of diagnosis and identification of associated abnormalities are based primarily on imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is currently the gold standard in the comprehensive evaluation of MRKH syndrome. Therefore, this study evaluated the place of ultrasound in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients treated for MRKH syndrome.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center, observational study collected all patients in charge of diagnosis or treatment of MRKH Syndrome between January 2000 and June 2017 within the University Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Strasbourg. The analysis of the medical files allowed the evaluation of ultrasound in the different stages of the patient's care.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were included and 81% get an ultrasound, 38% of them had a referred ultrasound performed by a certified radiologist. Forty-eight percent of the patients had an MRI and every ultrasound provided a correct diagnosis. Sixteen patients received therapeutic management and only 50% of patients had preoperative MRI.

CONCLUSION

The role of medical imaging is to define the extent of uterovaginal abnormalities for accurate diagnosis, describe any coexisting abnormalities, and provide a roadmap for surgical planning. The first-line examination is transabdominal ultrasound, a simple, non-invasive procedure. The use of MRI in our series did not bring any diagnostic surplus value. Despite the faster and easier access to MRI; ultrasound remains an indispensable tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of MRKH patients.

VACTERL association - Ultrasound findings and autopsy correlation

VACTERL (vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheoesophagus, renal, and limbs) is an abbreviation for the congenital group of abnormalities, including vertebral or vascular anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheoesophageal – fistula/esophageal atresia, renal defects, and limbs defects. It is a rare association and not accidental event where several organs are affected by developmental defects during blastogenesis. The exact cause is unknown; however, several environmental and genetic factors are included in literature. Three components out of seven are used to label as VACTERL. The combination is necessary, but the patient may have other congenital malformations as well. We present here an antenatal scan with autopsy correlation of one of the forms of VACTERL association spectrum.

Congenital anal atresia with rectovestibular fistula, scoliosis, unilateral renal agenesis, and finger defect (VACTERL association) in a patient with partial bicornuate uterus and distal vaginal atresia: A case report

RATIONALE

Vertebral defect, anal atresia, cardiac defect, tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia, renal defect, and limb defect (VACTERL) association and Müllerian duct anomalies are rare conditions. We present a rare condition with the co-occurrence of the VACTERL association and Müllerian duct hypoplasia to characterize patients' clinical presentations, outcomes, and treatment.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 11-year-old girl presented to our hospital with severe lower abdominal pain, lower vaginal atresia with enlargement of the upper vagina and a bicornuate uterus with a Y-shaped uterine cavity filled with hematometra on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Her medical history included congenital anal atresia with a rectovestibular fistula, congenital right renal deficiency, congenital right thumb malformation, and scoliosis.

DIAGNOSES

1. Congenital genital tract malformations, a partial bicornuate uterus, and distal vaginal atresia (U3aC0V4); 2. VACTERL association (congenital anal atresia with rectovestibular fistula, scoliosis with hemi vertebra and butterfly vertebra, unilateral renal agenesis, and finger defect).

INTERVENTIONS

Colpotomy, laparoscopic exploration, pelvic adhesiolysis, and hysteroscopy were performed.

OUTCOMES

Two months after surgery, a pelvic examination showed an unobstructed vagina which was 10 cm long and 2 fingers wide, without adhesion or constriction.

LESSONS

Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients with genital malformations associated with VACTERL. Early diagnosis of distal vaginal atresia with appropriate surgical intervention decreases long-term morbidity.

Cluster analysis describes constellations of cardiac anomalies presenting in spinal anomaly patients

BACKGROUND

Cardiac anomalies are prevalent in patients with bony spinal anomalies. Prior studies evaluating incidences of bony congenital anomalies of the spine are limited. The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) yields national discharge estimates of rare pediatric conditions like congenital disorders. This study utilized cluster analysis to study patterns of concurrent vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, cardiac malformations, trachea-esophageal fistula, renal dysplasia, and limb anomalies (VACTERL anomalies) co-occurring in patients with spinal congenital anomalies.

METHODS

Retrospective review of KID 2003-2012. KID-supplied hospital- and year-adjusted weights allowed for incidence assessment of bony spinal anomalies and cardiac, gastrointestinal, urinary anomalies of VACTERL. K-means clustering assessed relationships between most frequent anomalies within bony spinal anomaly discharges; k set to n - 1(n = first incidence of significant drop/little gain in sum of square errors within clusters).

RESULTS

There were 12,039,432 KID patients 0-20 years. Incidence per 100,000 discharges: 2.5 congenital fusion of spine, 10.4 hemivertebra, 7.0 missing vertebra. The most common anomalies co-occurring with bony vertebral malformations were atrial septal defect (ASD 12.3%), large intestinal atresia (LIA 11.8%), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA 10.4%). Top congenital cardiac anomalies in vertebral anomaly patients were ASD, PDA, and ventricular septal defect (VSD); all three anomalies co-occur at 6.6% rate in this vertebral anomaly population. Cluster analysis revealed that of bony anomaly discharges, 55.9% of those with PDA had ASD, 34.2% with VSD had PDA, 22.9% with LIA had ASD, 37.2% with ureter obstruction had LIA, and 35.5% with renal dysplasia had LIA.

CONCLUSIONS

In vertebral anomaly patients, the most common co-occurring congenital anomalies were cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal. Top congenital cardiac anomalies in vertebral anomaly patients were ASD, PDA, and VSD. VACTERL patients with vertebral anomalies commonly presented alongside cardiac and renal anomalies.

Update on Foregut Molecular Embryology and Role of Regenerative Medicine Therapies

Esophageal atresia (OA) represents one of the commonest and most severe developmental disorders of the foregut, the most proximal segment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus and stomach) in embryological terms. Of intrigue is the common origin from this foregut of two very diverse functional entities, the digestive and respiratory systems. OA appears to result from incomplete separation of the ventral and dorsal parts of the foregut during development, resulting in disruption of esophageal anatomy and frequent association with tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Not surprisingly, and likely inherent to OA, are associated abnormalities in components of the enteric neuromusculature and ultimately loss of esophageal functional integrity. An appreciation of such developmental processes and associated defects has not only enhanced our understanding of the etiopathogenesis underlying such devastating defects but also highlighted the potential of novel corrective therapies. There has been considerable progress in the identification and propagation of neural crest stem cells from the GI tract itself or derived from pluripotent cells. Such cells have been successfully transplanted into models of enteric neuropathy confirming their ability to functionally integrate and replenish missing or defective enteric nerves. Combinatorial approaches in tissue engineering hold significant promise for the generation of organ-specific scaffolds such as the esophagus with current initiatives directed toward their cellularization to facilitate optimal function. This chapter outlines the most current understanding of the molecular embryology underlying foregut development and OA, and also explores the promise of regenerative medicine.