Congenital anomalies of the müllerian system

Abstract

Congenital anomalies of the müllerian system, the most common of which are uterine malformations, are associated with fertility problems. Multifactorial polygenic and familial factors are involved in their formation. The result may be deficient development (agenesis, rudimentary horn, unicornuate uterus), nonfusion (didelphys or bicornuate uterus), or defective canalization of the müllerian ducts (septate uterus). The principal diagnostic procedures include HSG, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and US. The clinical presentation varies from symptoms of obstruction of the menstrual flow in adolescence to hypomenorrhea and fertility problems in adult life. Repeated fetal loss, after excluding other reasons, is usually the indication for surgical intervention. Uterine septa should be resected hysteroscopically. A prophylactic cerclage has been suggested by various authors, including those of this work, in cases of symmetric uterine anomalies, especially bicornuate uteri, as a simple and effective treatment to be tried before embarking on major surgery such as metroplasty.