Anatomical variations, treatment and outcomes of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: a literature review of 1673 cases

Clinical features and surgical options of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome: A systematic review and a meta-analysis of prevalence

BACKGROUND

OHVIRA syndrome, a urogenital malformation, lacks standardized management. Narrative reviews exist, but there is no a comprehensive meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this first systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the current literature and inform management strategies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched Scopus, Medline, Embase and Web of Science, up to March 2024.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Case series, case reviews, and longitudinal studies on patients with OHVIRA syndrome.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted and meta-analyzed using R software.

MAIN RESULTS

In all, 35 studies (1988-2022) with 526 patients were included. Average symptom onset was 14.45 years, and diagnosis at 16.36 years suggests potential delays. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain (67%, 95% CI 54-77, I2 = 66%) and dysmenorrhea (64%, 95% CI 55-72, I2 = 46%). Ultrasound (86%, 95% CI 76-92, I2 = 58%) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (61%, 95% CI 46-74, I2 = 72%) were primary imaging modalities. Hematocolpos (55%, 95% CI 42-67, I2 = 53%) and hematometra (53%, 95% CI 37-69, I2 = 70%) were frequent findings. Pelvic endometriosis, a major long-term complication, affected 20% of patients. Vaginal septum resection (83%, 95% CI 75-89, I2 = 48%) was the most common surgical treatment, often accompanied by laparoscopic endometriosis excision. Hysteroscopic septum resection emerged as a minimally invasive option (78%, 95% CI 46-93, I2 = 54%), with high success rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis and surgery are crucial to prevent complications. Vaginal septum resection remains the gold standard, while hysteroscopy offers a promising minimally invasive alternative.

Rare Case of OHVIRA with Ectopic Inguinal Hemiuterus and Ovary

A 12-year-old girl presented with inguinal swelling and recurrent groin pain since menarche. Ultrasound showed an inguinally located ovary with normal perfusion. Herniorrhaphy revealed an ectopic inguinal left ovary with fallopian tube and atretic hemiuterus and a closed internal inguinal ring. Laparoscopy revealed a right-sided hemiuterus and vaginally palpable cervix, leading to the diagnosis of ectopic OHVIRA syndrome type 1.2. The left hemiuterus was resected and the left ovary was pulled through the inguinal canal into the abdomen. During 12 months of follow-up, the left ovary showed normal perfusion and sonomorphologic appearance, menstrual periods were uneventful.

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.

A rare case report of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: Unraveling unusual urinary anomalies and literature review

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a rare congenital genitourinary abnormality defined by uterine didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral urological anomalies. Accurate diagnosis and prompt commencement of therapy can be difficult owing to heterogeneous genitourinary malformation among different patients. This is a case report of a patient with rare HWWS with uterine didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, vagina-ureteral remnant fistula (Gartner's duct cyst), and ipsilateral kidney dysgenesis who complained of intermittent abdominal pain during menstruation. The right ureteral remnant of the patient was distinctive, with three portions. The upper section was connected to the right dysplastic kidney, the lower section formed the fistulous tract with the vagina and bladder, while the middle section communicated with Gartner's Duct Cyst, which merged with the vagina and opened to the posterior cavity of hemivagina. The lower section of the right ureter was excised and ligated during laparoscopic surgery, while the upper section was excised. The patient recovered after surgery. We presented this rare case and conducted a literature review to provide a more comprehensive understanding of HWWS. This could help gynecologists effectively reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, especially when combined with complicated urinary malformation.