Hemiuterus with functional non-communicating horn in a young female

Abstract

Background

Mullerian duct anomalies are a broad spectrum of congenital anomalies of the female genital tract presenting with variable symptoms like infertility, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhea, pelvic endometriosis, and poor obstetric outcomes. Unicornuate uterus or hemiuterus occurs as a result of abnormal formation or failure of formation of the contralateral part.

Case presentation

We present a rare case report of hemiuterus with functional non-communicating horn along with hematometra in a 15-year-old female who presented with severe dysmenorrhoea since her menarche. Pelvic Ultrasonography demonstrated inconclusive findings of a heterogenous lesion in the right pelvic cavity adjacent to the uterus. Further, pelvic MRI revealed a hemiuterus on the left side with a normal endometrial cavity and a well-defined functional non-communicating horn on right side. The diagnosis of European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE) Classification U4a uterine anomaly (left hemiuterus with functional non-communicating horn on right side) was established.

Conclusions

ESHRE Class U4a comprises of hemiuterus with a functional rudimentary horn. This is considered clinically significant as it may lead to further complications, such as hematometra or ectopic pregnancy in the rudimentary horn. Hence, the correct identification of this entity is essential as laparoscopic removal is the current recommended management.

Background

Mullerian duct anomalies (MDA) belong to a broad spectrum of congenital anomalies of uterus and vagina which occur due to developmental defects in the Mullerian ducts [1]. These anomalies can present with various symptoms like infertility, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, pelvic endometriosis, and associated obstetric complications [2]. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is initially used to diagnose structural anomalies of the female genital tract [3]. However, HSG lacks in the capability of characterizing the external morphology of the uterus and classifying the subtype of the anomaly. With the advent of newer modalities, HSG has been supplanted by pelvic ultrasonography (USG) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pelvic MRI is considered superior to pelvic ultrasonography for the diagnosis and classification of Mullerian duct anomalies as it provides excellent soft tissue depiction owing to its multiplanar capabilities [4, 5].

We present a rare case report of left hemiuterus with functional non-communicating horn on right side along with hematometra.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old female presented with severe dysmenorrhea since her menarche. She attained menarche at the age of 13 years with regular menstrual cycles of 22–25 days in duration. The pain was mildly alleviated by analgesics. On general examination, her blood pressure was 120/80 mmHg with heart rate of 78 beats/min. Her secondary sexual characters were well developed. Ultrasound of the pelvis was done which revealed a heterogenous, hypoechoic lesion adjacent to the uterus on the right side. The above findings on ultrasound were inconclusive.

Pelvis MRI with axial T1, T2, T1 FS (3 mm thickness), sagittal T2 (4 mm thickness), axial gradient echo (4 mm thickness) sequences were performed. Pelvic MRI (Fig. 1a–c) revealed a hemiuterus measuring 5.8 × 2.8 × 3 cm in size with a normal endometrial cavity. A well-defined structure measuring 4.5 × 4.2 cm was noted in contact with the hemiuterus on right side and showed endometrial cavity within. The endometrial cavity demonstrated loculated T1 hyperintense content within, suggestive of hematometra. No obvious communication was noted with the hemiuterus. Single cervical cavity was seen (Fig. 2a). No vaginal septum was seen (Fig. 2b). Bilateral ovaries and adnexa showed normal morphology. The diagnosis of ESHRE Classification U4a C0 V0 uterine anomaly (left hemiuterus with functional non-communicating horn on right side) was established (Fig. 2c). No associated renal anomalies were present.

Fig. 1

a–c Axial T2 (a) showing cavity with hematometra (white arrow) towards right side and is in continuity with the left hemiuterus (red arrow). Axial T1 (b) and T1 fat surpassed images (c) showing hyperintense fluid in the horn on right side (white arrow and black arrow) suggestive of hematometra

Fig. 2

a–c Sagittal (a) and axial (b) T2 images showing normal cervix (white arrow) and normal vagina (black arrow). Illustration of our case (c) showing hemiuterus (white arrow) and functional non-communicating horn with hematometra (red arrow)

Discussion

The prevalence of Mullerian duct anomalies (MDA) ranges from 1 to 5% [6,7,8,9]. However, in women presenting with recurrent pregnancy loss, the prevalence is significantly higher (up to 15%) [9]. Hence, the correct identification and classification of Mullerian duct anomalies is clinically significant. The importance of a universalized and comprehensive classification for congenital anomalies of the female genital tract cannot be understated [10].

The European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE)/European Society of Gynecological Endoscopy (ESGE) consensus [11] classifies congenital anomalies of the female genital tract categories on the basis of anatomical variations as follows:

Class U0 incorporates normal uterus. Class U1 comprises dysmorphic uterus. Separate uterus is considered as Class U2. All fusion defects are classified under U3 or Bi-corporeal uterus. Unilaterally formed uterus or hemiuterus is included under Class U4. Aplastic uterus is considered as Class U5. A separate class, U6 is reserved for still classified cases [11].

Class U4 is further subdivided into classes U4a and U4b depending on the morphological characteristics of the contralateral poorly formed part. If the rudimentary horn/cavity is functional, it is classified as Class U4a irrespective of it being communicating or non-communicating. Non-functional rudimentary horn/cavity is categorized as Class U4b [11].

ESHRE Class U4a (hemiuterus with a functional rudimentary horn/cavity) is associated with obstetric and gynecological complications such as hematometra and ectopic pregnancy [11,12,13,14]. Due to this reason, laparoscopic removal of Class U4a rudimentary horn is the current recommended line of management [15].

Conclusions

Mullerian duct anomalies incorporate wide spectrum of congenital anomalies of the female genital tract. Imaging plays crucial role in the diagnosis and classification of the Mullerian duct anomalies. Class U4a MDA represents a hemiuterus with a functional rudimentary horn/cavity and has been associated with complications such as haematometra and ectopic pregnancy. Hence, the correct identification of this rare entity is essential to improve the morbidity and prevent further obstetric and/or gynecological complications.