Congenital structural abnormalities Flashcards
Where does the upper vagina, cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes develop from in the embryo?
Mullerian ducts (paramesonephric ducts)
What are the Mullerian ducts
Pair of passageways along the outside of the urogenital region that fuse and mature to become the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and upper vagina
How are congenital structural abnormalities formed?
Errors in the development of Mullerian ducts
In male foetus, which hormone is released to prevent growth of paramesonephric ducts
Anti-Mullerian hormone
Describe bicornuate uterus
2 horns to the uterus
Gives the uterus a heart shaped appearance
How is bicornuate uterus diagnosed?
Pelvic USS
What complications might a bicornuate uterus be at risk of?
Miscarriage
Premature birth
Malpresentation
Describe imperforate hymen
Hymen at entrance of vagina is fully formed without an opening
When are imperforate hymens noted?
When girl starts to mensturate and the menses are sealed in the vagina.
Cyclical pelvic pain and cramping but without any vaginal bleeding
How is imperforate hymen diagnosed
On clinical examnination
Describe the treatment of imperforate hymen
Surgical incision to create an opening in the hymen
What could imperforate hymen increase the risk of?
Endometriosis - retrograde mensturation
Describe transverse vaginal septae
Caused by error in development where a septum forms transversely across the vagina
Either perforate (can still menstruate but can have difficulty with intercourse/tampon) or imperforate (presents with cyclical pain without menstruation)
What can transverse vaginal septum lead to?
Infertility
Pregnancy related complications
How is transverse vaginal septae diagnosed?
Examination
Ultrasound
MRI
