Unicornuate uterus

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Unicornuate uterus
hysterosalpingogram
Specialty	Gynaecology

A unicornuate uterus represents a

Signs and symptoms

Women with the condition may be asymptomatic and unaware of having a unicornuate uterus; normal pregnancy may occur. In a review of the literature Reichman et al. analyzed the data on pregnancy outcome of 290 women with a unicornuate uterus. 175 women had conceived for a total of 468 pregnancies. They found that about 50% of patients delivered a live baby. The rates for ectopic pregnancy was 2.7%, for miscarriage 34%, and for preterm delivery 20%, while the intrauterine demise rate was 10%.

.

Cause

The uterus is normally formed during

. If one of the ducts does not develop, only one Müllerian duct contributes to the uterine development. This uterus may or may not be connected to Müllerian structure on the opposite site if the Müllerian duct on that site undergoes some development. A unicornuate uterus has a single cervix and vagina. Associated defects may affect the renal system, and less common, the skeleton.^{[citation needed]}

The condition is much less common than these other uterine malformations:

Diagnosis

A pelvic examination will typically reveal a single vagina and a single cervix. Investigations are usually prompted on the basis of reproductive problems.^[citation needed]

Helpful techniques to investigate the uterine structure are

Rudimentary horn

A unicornuate uterus may be associated with a rudimentary horn on the opposite site. This horn may be communicating with the uterus, and linked to the ispilateral tube. Occasionally a pregnancy may implant into such a horn setting up a dangerous situation as such pregnancy can lead to a potentially fatal uterine rupture. The majority of

Management

Patients with a unicornuate uterus may need special attention during pregnancy as

It is unproven that cerclage procedures are helpful.

Although it is unclear whether interventions before conception or early in pregnancy such as resection of the rudimentary horn and prophylactic cervical cerclage decidedly improve obstetrical outcomes, current practice suggests that such interventions may be helpful.^[citation needed]

References

External links