Congenital uterine anomalies occur in 0.1 to 3% of women and are due to abnormal development of the paramesonephric ducts. Failure of fusion of these ducts results in division of the uterus into two horns (bicornuate uterus) if there is partial failure of fusion, and complete duplication of the uterus, cervix and vagina (uterine didelphys) if there is total failure of fusion. It is associated with pregnancy complications such as spontaneous abortion, malpresentation and premature labour. Infertility is not usually aproblem with this type of malformation because implantation of the embryo is not impaired. Associated renal tract anomalies are common. The preferred methods of imaging uterine anomalies are ultrasound, hysterosalpingogram or MRI.
References:
1. Dahnert W. Radiology Review Manual, 5th edition. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2003
2. Reuter KL, Babagbemi TK Obstetric and Gynaecological Ultrasound Case Review Series, 2nd edition. Mosby Elsevier 2007
Credit: Dr Donna D’Souza
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