Müllerian duct anomalies coincident with endometriosis: a review

Characteristics and Preoperative Management of Adolescent Patients with Pathology-Confirmed Endometriosis: A Multi-Institutional Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This multi-institutional, observational, retrospective cohort study aimed to characterize the demographics and preoperative medical management of patients with pathology-confirmed endometriosis.

METHODS

We reviewed patients <22 years at 8 tertiary care pediatric hospitals in the Midwestern United States who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and had biopsy-confirmed endometriosis. Patients were identified through pathology records. Demographics, medical history, clinical symptoms, and prior medical management were extracted. Descriptive statistics were computed.

RESULTS

Among 305 patients, median age at first presentation to pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) was 15.6 years (interquartile range: 14.2-17.1). Most patients were White (83.3%) and most had commercial insurance (70.5%). Only 4.3% had a diagnosis of endometriosis prior to their initial presentation to PAG. Common symptoms included progressive dysmenorrhea (76.7%), heavy menstrual bleeding (50.8%), missed school/activities due to dysmenorrhea (55.1%). Patients sought care for their symptoms from a range of providers in addition to PAG, including primary care/adolescent medicine (75.1%), gastroenterology (18.7%), adult gynecology (22.3%), and physical therapy (13.4%). Nearly all patients (92.8%) tried oral hormonal menstrual suppression prior to laparoscopy. Hormonal management included combined oral contraception (62.3%), medroxyprogesterone acetate injection (15.7%), ≤5mg daily norethindrone (14.8%), >5mg daily norethindrone (13.4%), hormonal intrauterine system (13.1%), and contraceptive implant (5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pathology-proven endometriosis typically presented with progressive dysmenorrhea, missed school or activities, and heavy menstrual bleeding. They sought care from a variety of providers and while most tried hormonal management of symptoms, the method used varied.

Endometriosis: a journey from infertility to fertility

Endometriosis, a chronic and multifocal inflammatory condition with a substantial estrogen-dependent component, is often linked to infertility. Some patients with endometriosis may require surgical intervention or assisted reproductive technologies to conceive. Although many patients who achieve pregnancy have relatively uncomplicated outcomes because of the progesterone-induced regression of endometriotic lesions, complications can still arise during pregnancy and the peripartum period. Complications include the decidualization of endometriosis implants, with site-specific implications (e.g., decidualized endometrioma mimicking ovarian cancer, decidualized deep endometriosis infiltrating the myometrium leading to uterine rupture, spontaneous hemoperitoneum), placenta previa, preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes, postpartum hemorrhage, or systemic conditions such as hypertensive or coagulation disorders. Herein, we review the background of these conditions and the expected radiologic findings. Additionally, we review essential clinical concepts about the treatment available and the information needed to make health care decisions. This review aims to equip radiologists with essential insights into the challenges faced by patients with endometriosis, from infertility diagnosis through postpartum care. By enhancing radiologists' understanding of these aspects and relevant imaging findings, we aspire to improve maternal and fetal outcomes affected by this complex condition.

Adolescent endometriosis: clinical insights and imaging considerations

Endometriosis is a gynecologic disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue in ectopic locations, outside of the uterine cavity. In the adolescent population, the diagnosis of endometriosis is often overlooked as a cause of pelvic pain because of limited awareness by both patients and providers and a tendency to undervalue the complaints of pain by both families and caregivers. Although historically diagnosed by laparoscopy, there has been a shift in recent years towards imaging diagnosis. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered the first-line imaging technique for endometriosis in the adult population; however, this minimally invasive procedure is commonly avoided in adolescents, with MRI often used instead. Here, we discuss the clinical presentation and imaging considerations and treatment options involved in adolescents with suspected endometriosis.

The Role of Adenogenesis Factors in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a pathological condition characterized by the presence of the endometrial tissue, outside the uterine cavity. It affects nearly 10% of women of reproductive age and is responsible for infertility, chronic pain, and the weakening of the quality of life. Various pathogenetic mechanisms have been suggested; however, the essential pathogenesis of endometriosis remains insufficiently comprehended. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies investigating the pathogenetic mechanisms of endometriosis, while exclusion criteria included reviews, case reports, and studies lacking primary data. The analyzed studies explored multiple pathogenetic mechanisms, including retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, embryological defects, stem cell involvement, and epigenetic modifications. Special emphasis was placed on the role of uterine adenogenesis factors in the development and progression of endometriosis. A deeper understanding of the various pathogenetic mechanisms underlying endometriosis is crucial for advancing targeted therapeutic strategies. Further research into uterine adenogenesis factors may provide new insights into the disease's pathophysiology and pave the way for novel treatment approaches.

Endometriosis Coinciding with Uterus Didelphys and Renal Agenesis: A Literature Review

Background/Objectives: Endometriosis and urogenital malformation with uterus didelphys and renal agenesis might occur concomitantly, and the question arises whether both entities are associated with each other. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science, using the following search terms: "endometriosis and uterine malformation, endometriosis and Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome", "endometriosis and OHVIRA (Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly) syndrome" and "uterus didelphys, renal agenesis and endometriosis". Results: We identified and examined 36 studies, comprising a total of 563 cases with coinciding endometriosis and OHVIRA. The most prevalent symptoms were dysmenorrhea and lower abdominal pain. Renal agenesis occurred more frequently on the right side. In the majority of cases, vaginal septum resection was performed to alleviate hematometrocolpos. Among the 97 cases necessitating abdominal exploration, endometriosis was identified in 61 patients (62.9%), although this figure is most likely an overestimation. However, a significantly heightened risk of endometriosis was evident. Conclusions: This literature review highlights the importance of considering the potential for urogenital malformation and endometriosis in cases of dysmenorrhea during adolescence. Ultrasound examination has proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying uterine abnormalities and guiding subsequent diagnostic and, if necessary, surgical interventions. Thorough assessment and appropriate management are imperative to mitigating the long-term consequences associated with deep infiltrating endometriosis.

Developmental uterovaginal anomalies and histologic findings in transgender patients receiving gender-affirming hysterectomies: A large case series

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence of uterovaginal anomalies and histologic findings in transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) patients seeking hysterectomies.

METHODS

All patients receiving gender-affirming hysterectomies between 2013 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes included uterovaginal anomalies and histological findings. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to evaluate relationships between variables of interest and whether they predict findings of uterovaginal anomalies, inactive endometrium, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, endometriosis, and cervical atrophy.

RESULTS

278 patients received hysterectomies at an average age of 29.2 ± 8.3 years. Seven patients (2.5%) were found to have a developmental anomaly, including two bicornuate uterus (0.7%), two unicornuate uterus (0.7%), one septate uterus (0.4%), and two vaginal septum (0.7%). 60 patients (21.6%) were found to have inactive endometrium and 26 patients (9.4%) had cervical atrophy. Although 262 patients (94.2%) were on testosterone therapy, hormone duration was not a significant predictor of any uterine findings.

CONCLUSION

This study describes uterovaginal anomalies in a large cohort of patients receiving gender-affirming hysterectomies. Although long-term testosterone use is commonly believed to be associated with endometrial and cervical atrophy, this study shows no such association.

Potential anatomical determinants of retrograde menstruation: a comprehensive narrative review

A century ago, Sampson identified three uterine anatomical structures that may determine the amount of retrograde menstruation and the likelihood of the development of endometriosis: the cervix, the intramural portion of the fallopian tubes, and the myometrium. Critical appraisal was undertaken of data published over the last 40 years on the potential effect of the characteristics of these three anatomical variables on the risk of endometriosis. There is some evidence to support the pathogenic role of the diameter of the cervical canal, stenosis of internal or external orifices, and stiffness of cervical tissue. One study showed a significant association between the morphology of the intramural tubal tract and the frequency of endometriosis. A large body of evidence points to abnormalities of the myometrial structure as the anatomical aberration most consistently associated with endometriosis. These abnormalities have largely been interpreted as signs of early-onset adenomyosis, which may precede endometriosis and even lead to its development by increasing the amount of retrograde menstruation. Future research should aim to verify whether a positive relationship exists between the substantially increased number of ovulatory menses occurring in the decade following menarche, the development of anatomical myometrial abnormalities, changes in the amount of retrograde menstruation over time, and the risk of endometriosis.

Müllerian anomalies and endometriosis as potential explanatory models for the retrograde menstruation/implantation and the embryonic remnants/celomic metaplasia pathogenic theories: a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY QUESTION

Does endometriosis prevalence differ in patients with obstructive Müllerian anomalies (OMA) versus those with nonobstructive Müllerian anomalies (NOMA), and in patients with NOMA versus those without Müllerian anomalies?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The quantitative synthesis of published data demonstrates a substantially increased prevalence of endometriosis in patients with OMA compared with those with NOMA, and a similar prevalence in patients with NOMA and those without Müllerian anomalies.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The pathogenesis of endometriosis has not been definitively clarified yet. A higher prevalence of endometriosis in patients with OMA than in those with NOMA would support the retrograde menstruation (RM)/implantation theory, whereas a higher prevalence of endometriosis in the NOMA group than in the group without Müllerian anomalies would support the embryonic remnants/celomic metaplasia hypothesis.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This systematic review with meta-analysis was restricted to full-length, English-language articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 1980 and 2023. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched using the keyword 'endometriosis' in combination with 'Müllerian anomalies', 'obstructive Müllerian anomalies', 'female genital malformations', 'retrograde menstruation', 'infertility', 'pelvic pain', and 'classification'. References from relevant publications were screened, and PubMed's 'similar articles' and 'cited by' functions were used.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Studies were selected if they reported the prevalence of surgically confirmed endometriosis in either individuals with OMA compared to those with NOMA, or patients with NOMA compared to those without Müllerian anomalies. Cohort and case-control studies and case series were deemed eligible for inclusion. Noncomparative studies, studies not reporting both the number of individuals with endometriosis and the total number of those with Müllerian anomalies or with other gynecological conditions, those including exclusively data on patients with absent or uncertain menstrual function (e.g. complete Müllerian agenesis category), or with imperforate hymen were excluded. Two reviewers independently abstracted data. The risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposures tool. The overall certainty of the evidence was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Seven retrospective studies were included. The overall mean estimate of endometriosis prevalence was 47% (95% CI, 36-58%) in patients with OMA, and 19% (95% CI, 15-24%) in patients with NOMA, with a common odds ratio (OR) of 4.72 (95% CI, 2.54-8.77). The overall mean estimate of endometriosis prevalence in patients with NOMA was 23% (95% CI, 20-27%), and that in patients without Müllerian anomalies was 21% (95% CI, 20-22%), with a common OR of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.57-1.58). The overall certainty of the evidence according to GRADE guidelines was judged as low for both comparisons.

LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION

Some NOMA subtypes may create a partial obstacle to menstrual efflux and/or generate dysfunctional myometrial contractions that favor transtubal reflux, thus increasing the risk of endometriosis and limiting the difference between OMA and NOMA. As infertility and pelvic pain are strongly associated with endometriosis, women with these symptoms are inappropriate controls. Confounding by indication could explain the lack of difference in endometriosis prevalence between patients with NOMA and those without Müllerian anomalies.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The results of this meta-analysis support the validity of the RM theory but do not definitively rule out alternative hypotheses. Thus, RM may be considered the initiator for the development of endometriotic lesions, while not excluding the contribution of both inheritable and tissue-specific genetic and epigenetic modifications as disease-promoting factors.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

No funding was received for this review. P.Ve. is a member of the Editorial Board of Human Reproduction Open, the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, and the International Editorial Board of Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica; has received royalties from Wolters Kluwer for chapters on endometriosis management in the clinical decision support resource UpToDate; and maintains both a public and private gynecological practice. E.S. discloses payments from Ferring for research grants and honoraria from Merck-Serono for lectures. All other authors declare they have no conflict of interest.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Is Neonatal Uterine Bleeding Involved in Early-Onset Endometriosis?

BACKGROUND

There has been considerable progress in our understanding of endometriosis, but its pathophysiology remains uncertain. Uncovering the underlying mechanism of the rare instances of endometriosis reported in early postmenarcheal years and in girls before menarche can have wide implications.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review of all relevant articles on Medline.

RESULTS

In the review, we explore the pathogenetic theories of premenarcheal endometriosis, the role of retrograde menstruation in the adult and its potential role in early-onset disease, as well as the factors that argue against the existence of a link between early-onset endometriosis (EOE) and neonatal uterine bleeding (NUB).

CONCLUSIONS

As with endometriosis in adult women, the pathogenesis of early-onset disease remains unclear. A link between NUB and EOE is plausible, but there are considerable challenges to collating supporting evidence. The state of our understanding of early uterine development and of the pathophysiology of NUB leaves many unknowns that need exploration. These include proof of the existence of viable endometrial cells or endometrial mesenchymal stem cells in NUB, their passage to the pelvic cavity, their possible response to steroids, and whether they can reside within the pelvic cavity and remain dormant till menarche.

Endometriosis-Related Chronic Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis, which is the presence of endometrial stroma and glands outside the uterus, is one of the most frequently diagnosed gynecologic diseases in reproductive women. Patients with endometriosis suffer from various pain symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain. The pathophysiology for chronic pain in patients with endometriosis has not been fully understood. Altered inflammatory responses have been shown to contribute to pain symptoms. Increased secretion of cytokines, angiogenic factors, and nerve growth factors has been suggested to increase pain. Also, altered distribution of nerve fibers may also contribute to chronic pain. Aside from local contributing factors, sensitization of the nervous system is also important in understanding persistent pain in endometriosis. Peripheral sensitization as well as central sensitization have been identified in patients with endometriosis. These sensitizations of the nervous system can also explain increased incidence of comorbidities related to pain such as irritable bowel disease, bladder pain syndrome, and vulvodynia in patients with endometriosis. In conclusion, there are various possible mechanisms behind pain in patients with endometriosis, and understanding these mechanisms can help clinicians understand the nature of the pain symptoms and decide on treatments for endometriosis-related pain symptoms.

Expression of HOXA10 Gene in Women with Endometriosis: A Systematic Review

The homeobox A10 (HOXA10) gene is known to be related to endometriosis; however, due to a lack of knowledge/evidence in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, the mechanisms that link HOXA10 to endometriosis still need to be clarified. This review addresses the difference in the expression of the HOXA10 gene in endometriotic women versus non-endometriotic women across populations by country and discusses its influences on women's fertility. An organized search of electronic databases was conducted in Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science. The keywords used were (HOXA10 OR "homeobox A10" OR PL OR HOX1 OR HOX1H OR HOX1.8) AND ("gene expression") AND (endometriosis). The initial search resulted in 623 articles, 10 of which were included in this review. All ten papers included in this study were rated fair in terms of the quality of the studies conducted. The expression of the HOXA10 gene was found to be downregulated in most studies. However, one study provided evidence of the downregulation and upregulation of HOXA10 gene expression due to the localization of endometriotic lesions. Measuring the expression of the HOXA10 gene in women is clinically essential to predicting endometriosis, endometrial receptivity, and the development of pinopodes in the endometrium during the luteal phase.

New concepts on the etiology of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a serious, chronic disorder where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic pain and infertility. It affects 11% of women. Endometriosis is a multifactorial disorder of unclear etiology, although retrograde menstruation plays a major role. It has a genetic component with over 40 genetic risk factors mapped, although their mechanism of action is still emerging. New evidence suggests a role for retrograde menstruation of endometrial stem/progenitor cells, now that identifying markers of these cells are available. Recent lineage tracing and tissue clearing microscopy and 3D reconstruction has provided new understanding of endometrial glandular structure, particularly the horizontal orientation and interconnection of basalis glands. New sequencing technologies, particularly whole genome DNA sequencing are revealing somatic mutations, including in cancer driver genes, in normal and eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis, as well as ectopic endometriotic lesions. Methylome sequencing is offering insight into the regulation of genes and the role of the environmental factors. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals the transcriptome of individual endometrial cells, shedding new light on the diversity and range of cellular subpopulations of the major cell types present in the endometrium and in endometriotic lesions. New endometrial epithelial organoid cultures replicating glandular epithelium are providing tractable models for studying endometriosis. Organoids derived from menstrual fluid offer a non-invasive source of endometrial tissue and a new avenue for testing drugs and developing personalized medicine for treating endometriosis. These new approaches are rapidly advancing our understanding of endometriosis etiology.

Endometriosis in Adolescents with Obstructive Anomalies of the Reproductive Tract

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and course of endometriosis in adolescents with obstructive Müllerian anomalies.

METHODS

The study group involved 50 adolescents undergoing surgeries (median age 13.5 (range 11.1-18.5)) for rare obstructive malformations of the genital tract: 15 girls had anomalies associated with cryptomenorrhea and 35 were menstruating. The median follow-up period was 2.4 (ranging from 0.1 to 9.5) years.

RESULTS

We diagnosed endometriosis in 23 of the 50 subjects (46%), including 10 of the 23 patients (43.5%) with obstructed hemivagina ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome (OHVIRAS), six of eight patients (75%) with a unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating functional horn, two of three patients (66.7%) with distal vaginal aplasia, and five of five patients (100%) with cervicovaginal aplasia. Persistent dysmenorrhea, following treatment, affected 14 of the 50 adolescents (28%), including 8 of the 17 subjects (47.1%) diagnosed with endometriosis at the time of surgical correction and six adolescents diagnosed with endometriosis during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometriosis affects about half of young adolescents undergoing surgical treatment of obstructive Müllerian anomalies after menarche. The incidence of endometriosis is highest in girls with cervical aplasia. The risk of developing endometriosis decreases after surgical correction of obstruction but is still significant in patients with uterine anomalies.

A Common Path: Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Müllerian and Wolffian Duct Anomalies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the pathway of Mullerian and Wolffian duct development, anomalies that result from disruptions to this pathway, and the characteristics on advanced imaging that identify them.

RECENT FINDINGS

In-office evaluation for reproductive anomalies is usually inadequate for the diagnosis of congenital reproductive anomalies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has usurped invasive diagnostic methods including laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and vasography as the new gold standard. Because of its superior soft-tissue delineation and the availability of advanced functional sequences, MRI offers a sophisticated method of distinguishing reproductive anomalies from one another, characterizing the degree of defect severity, and evaluating for concomitant urogenital anomalies non-invasively and without radiation exposure to the patient. Congenital anomalies of the Mullerian and Wolffian duct can be incredibly nuanced, requiring prompt and accurate diagnosis for management of infertility. Definitive diagnosis should be made early with MRI.

Reproductive outcome in 326 women with unicornuate uterus

OBJECTIVES

To study the reproductive outcomes of women with a unicornuate uterus and compare them to those of women with no congenital uterine anomaly.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. Cases were women aged at least 16 years who were diagnosed with a unicornuate uterus on transvaginal/transrectal ultrasound between January 2008 and September 2021. Controls were women with no congenital uterine anomaly matched 1:1 by age and body mass index. The primary outcome was live-birth rate. Secondary outcomes were pregnancy loss (miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, termination of pregnancy), preterm delivery, mode of delivery and concomitant gynecological abnormalities (endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids).

RESULTS

Included in the study were 326 cases and 326 controls. Women with a unicornuate uterus had a significantly lower live-birth rate (184/388 (47.4%) vs 229/396 (57.8%); P = 0.004) and higher rates of overall miscarriage (178/424 (42.0%) vs 155/465 (33.3%); adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.21 (95% CI, 1.42-3.42), P < 0.001), ectopic pregnancy (26/424 (6.1%) vs 11/465 (2.4%); aOR, 2.52 (95% CI, 1.22-5.22), P = 0.01), preterm delivery (45/184 (24.5%) vs 17/229 (7.4%); aOR, 3.04 (95% CI, 1.52-5.97), P = 0.001) and Cesarean delivery (116/184 (63.0%) vs 70/229 (30.6%); aOR, 2.54 (95% CI, 1.67-3.88), P < 0.001). Rudimentary-horn pregnancies accounted for 7/26 (26.9%) ectopic pregnancies in the study group. Women with a unicornuate uterus were more likely to have endometriosis (17.5% vs 10.7%; P = 0.018) and adenomyosis (26.7% vs 15.6%; P = 0.001), but were not more likely to have fibroids compared with controls. Women with a functional rudimentary horn were more likely to have pelvic endometriosis compared to those without (odds ratio, 2.4 (95% CI, 1.4-4.1), P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women with a unicornuate uterus should be classified as high risk. Removal of a functional rudimentary horn should be discussed with the patient to prevent a rudimentary-horn ectopic pregnancy. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Acute late presentation of a functioning non-communicating rudimentary uterine horn containing an adenomyosis: A case report

A functioning noncommunicating rudimentary horn is a rare uterine malformation. The presence of rudimentary uterine horn with adenomyosis is even rarer situation. Clinical presentation varies from mild pain that might present late in the clinical course with complications that can be gynecological such as pelvic pain and endometriosis or obstetrical such as preterm delivery, cesarean section, and ectopic pregnancy. We are reporting a case of a young woman who presented with acute abdominal pain that was superimposed by chronic pelvic pain due to endometriosis and deep pelvic vein thrombosis secondary to an enlarging noncommunicating rudimentary uterine horn containing extensive adenomyosis. With the help of MRI, initial diagnosis was given as rudimentary functioning horn containing fibroid and unilateral renal agenesis. The treatment comprised complete laparoscopic excision of the entire horn, and the patient reported significant improvement afterward. Final histopathology was rudimentary horn containing adenomyosis. Our paper is one of few papers reported adenomyosis in function noncommunication rudimentary horn.

Diagnosis and Management of Mullerian Anomalies Across Differing Resource Settings: Worldwide Adaptations

BACKGROUND

Mullerian anomalies affect 7% of reproductive age women. It is important to have a basic understanding of these conditions, given they can affect women at any stage of life and have potential impacts on fertility and pregnancy. This article seeks to review these anomalies as well as specific diagnostic pitfalls and strategies to approach these conditions in both high- and low-resource environments.

METHODS

This review was undertaken with a PubMed focused search, using terms related to the diagnosis and management of Mullerian anomalies in many worldwide settings. Consideration was made to assess the medical resources available in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which could impact diagnostic and management decisions, compared with high-income countries (HICs). Concurrent medical conditions and both gynecologic and obstetric outcomes were also searched. Practice recommendations from international societies were also reviewed and compared. Finally, 4 conditions were evaluated more closely to assess management differences based on geographic locations and whether the countries were LMICs or HICs; specifically, those evaluated were lower vaginal atresia, uterovaginal agenesis, bicornuate uterus, and septate uterus.

DISCUSSION

Mullerian anomalies encompass a wide variety of conditions, ranging from subtle anatomic changes without concurrent anomalies to complex conditions, associated with anomalies of the kidney or spine, which could impact the ability to manage certain conditions based on medical resources available geographically. A systematic approach and provider expertise is important for appropriate diagnosis and management, independent of geographic location. Counseling is critical for medical and surgical decision-making and might be limited or guided by the resources available in certain settings or even by existing laws.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited outcomes are available among patients with Mullerian anomalies in LMICs; however, the management varies based on the basic tools available to address acute needs, as well as long-term fertility and obstetric concerns. More research is needed in this population, which could help drive the importance of early diagnosis and management not only in HICs but also in LMICs, where individualization strategies are key.

Should we screen for Müllerian anomalies following diagnosis of a congenital renal anomaly?

INTRODUCTION

Despite the well-established embryological relationship in the development of renal and Müllerian structures, no clear guidelines exist regarding screening for Müllerian anomalies (MA) in the setting of a renal anomaly (RA). Delayed diagnosis of MA can have significant reproductive consequences.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of coexisting MA in patients with congenital RA.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of females age 12-35 years with a diagnosis of RA, identified by diagnosis codes, who were followed for care between 2013 and 2020. Data were collected on demographics, medical history, clinical presentation, and imaging studies. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. This study was IRB approved.

RESULTS

A total of 465 patients were included in this study, of whom 326 patients (70.3%) had a pelvic evaluation during the study period. Of these 326 patients, 125 (38.3%) were found to have coexistent MA. About one-third of patients who underwent pelvic evaluation due to pain were found to have MA. For 69.6% (87/125) of patients with MA, the RA was diagnosed prior to the MA. The average age at time of RA diagnosis was 6.4 ± 8.8 years and the average age of MA diagnosis was 16.4 ± 6.9 years. Forty-eight (38.4%) patients had obstructive anomalies. Of the Müllerian obstructions, 93.8% were treated with urgent surgery and the remainder started on hormonal suppression. The prevalence of MA was dependent on the RA diagnosis (Figure). Of patients with a solitary kidney, 67.1% were diagnosed with MA. For other parenchymal RA, the prevalence of MA was 20-23%. In patients with solitary kidney, uterus didelphys was the most common MA (52.1%). Thirty percent of patients with a solitary kidney were diagnosed with an obstructive MA.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, 38% of patients with RA who underwent a pelvic evaluation were found to also have MA. Our study shows the strongest association between MA and solitary kidney, but also emphasizes a significant risk with other RA. Almost 40% of patients with diagnosed MA were found to have an obstruction that required urgent treatment. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of Müllerian obstructions can be detrimental for future reproductive health, due to risk of chronic pain, infertility, infection, and endometriosis. Given the high prevalence of MA in patients with RA, especially those with congenital solitary kidney, routine screening with pelvic ultrasound should be performed around the age of expected menarche.

New Insights in Pathogenesis of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The incidence of the disease is very high, there are currently no reliable early diagnostic tests, the therapies are only symptomatic and, consequently, the social impact of endometriosis is very important, also considering the related fertility problems. Despite this, the pathogenesis of endometriosis is still not fully defined. Retrograde menstruation and coelomic metaplasia are currently the most recognized pathogenetic hypotheses. Recent experimental evidences generated by our research group and by others have indicated an alteration of the fine-tuning of the female genital system developmental program during a critical window of time in the fetal life as the pathogenetic event prompting to the development of endometriosis later in life. Goal of this article is to present a revision of the recent literature about the different pathogenetic mechanisms proposed for endometriosis with particular emphasis on the embryologic theory. The possible clinical and pathological implications of these findings will be discussed.

Magnetic resonance imaging of Müllerian anomalies in girls: concepts and controversies

Female Müllerian anomalies are the result of failure of formation, fusion or resorption of the Müllerian ducts and are relatively common, with a prevalence of 5.5-7.0% in the general population. While some of these anomalies are asymptomatic, those presenting with obstruction require accurate identification for optimal clinical management including potential surgical treatment. MRI is a useful adjunct to sonography in the evaluation of Müllerian anomalies, typically allowing a more complete characterization of the malformation. Technical aspects, embryologic concepts and controversies regarding classification systems are highlighted in this review. Several Müllerian anomalies are discussed and illustrated in more detail utilizing various cases with pelvic MRI studies.

Peripheral, Central, and Cross Sensitization in Endometriosis-Associated Pain and Comorbid Pain Syndromes

Endometriosis-associated pain and the mechanisms responsible for its initiation and persistence are complex and difficult to treat. Endometriosis-associated pain is experienced as dysmenorrhea, cyclical pain related to organ function including dysuria, dyschezia and dyspareunia, and persistent pelvic pain. Pain symptomatology correlates poorly with the extent of macroscopic disease. In addition to the local effects of disease, endometriosis-associated pain develops as a product of peripheral sensitization, central sensitization and cross sensitization. Endometriosis-associated pain is further contributed to by comorbid pain conditions, such as bladder pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, abdomino-pelvic myalgia and vulvodynia. This article will review endometriosis-associated pain, its mechanisms, and its comorbid pain syndromes with a view to aiding the clinician in navigating the literature and terminology of pain and pain syndromes. Limitations of our current understanding of endometriosis-associated pain will be acknowledged. Where possible, commonalities in pain mechanisms between endometriosis-associated pain and comorbid pain syndromes will be highlighted.