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. 2022 Nov 9:15:2579-2589.
doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S386936. eCollection 2022.

MRI Evaluation of Mullerian Duct Anomalies: Practical Classification by the New ASRM System

Mahasen S Al Najar  1 , Nosaiba T Al Ryalat  1 , Jaffer S Sadaqah  1 , Rawand Y Husami  1 , Karem H Alzoubi  2   3
Affiliations

MRI Evaluation of Mullerian Duct Anomalies: Practical Classification by the New ASRM System

Mahasen S Al Najar et al. J Multidiscip Healthc. .

Abstract

Objective: To describe variable mullerian duct anomalies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to classify these anomalies according to the available classification systems, namely the American Fertility Society (AFS) system, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) system, and the new American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) system.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Subjects: The pelvic MRI studies and the clinical records of 64 females with mullerian congenital anomalies were retrospectively reviewed between January 2010 and December 2021. The mean age was 22 years (age range 2-63 years).

Main outcome measures: Detailed imaging findings were recorded, and the resulting mullerian anomalies were then classified according to the three classification systems of interest.

Results: Variable mullerian anomalies were found among patients with multiple frequencies. Mullerian agenesis and hypoplasia were found in 12 patients (19%) and 16 patients (25%), respectively. Uterus didelphys was found in 5 patients (8%). Twelve (19%) patients had septate uterus, while 8 (12.5%) had a bicornuate anomaly. Unicornuate uterus was present in 7 patients (11%). Isolated vaginal anomaly was diagnosed in 4 patients (6%). Renal/urinary tract imaging was available for 27 (42%) patients, and accompanying urinary tract anomalies were noted in 10 of them (37%). Few ovarian and other extra-renal anomalies were observed.

Conclusion: MRI could efficiently delineate the mullerian anomalies regardless of their complexity. Most of these anomalies were more efficaciously categorized by the ESHRE and the new ASRM systems, compared to the originally widely used AFS system. The new ASRM classification was found to be more practical as it is a modification of the original AFS system, using drawings with clear descriptions instead of symbols. This is particularly helpful in the radiological era, saving time and effort.

Keywords: classification system; mullerian duct anomalies; pelvic MRI; renal agenesis; uterus.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Case of complete septate uterus with urogenital sinus anomaly presenting with cyclic hematuria, categorized by AFS and ESHRE systems. (A) Coronal T2W image demonstrating duplicated cervices. (B and C) Axial T2W images showing complete septate uterus and the narrow connection (arrow) between the vagina and the urinary bladder. (D) Sagittal T2W image showing the dilated proximal vagina with non-visualization of its distal portion. A Gartner duct cyst is seen at its posterior wall.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Case of complete septate uterus and vagina down to introitus, categorized by ASRM and ESHRE systems. (A and B) Axial T2W images showing the complete septate uterus and vagina. (C) Coronal T2W image showing the septate cervix and the two vaginae.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Case of bicornuate bicollis with distal cervical obstruction, categorized only by ESHRE system. (A and B) Axial T1 fat sat images demonstrating marked hematometra and hemoperitoneum (*) with communication between both cervical canals. (C) Sagittal T2W image showing hematometra of the uterine body and cervix. Note the normal vagina. (D) Coronal contrasted T1 fat sat image demonstrating the deep fundal cleft.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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