Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: Merits of Sonographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis and Patient Management in 13 Cases

Abstract

Study ObjectiveTo review the main sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, characterized by uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis, and to discuss the value of techniques for its diagnosis and treatment. ParticipantsThirteen patients with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome referred to our department with acute abdomen were identified for the period from 2009-2012. DesignRetrospective chart review. SettingTwo tertiary academic centers. InterventionsNone. Main Outcome MeasuresThe evaluation of the clinical features, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging findings, and the treatment protocols. ResultsUltrasonographic evaluation of didelphic or double uterus in 10 and bicornuate-bicollis uterus in 3 patients with hematocolpos or hematometrocolpos associated with agenesis of the ipsilateral kidney revealed the diagnosis. In 10 patients, magnetic resonance imaging provided extra information. In 1 patient, a 25-week pregnancy was additionally detected and follow-up was suggested. Seven patients underwent surgical excision of the septum and drainage of the obstructed vagina. Total hysterectomy and hemicolpectomy were performed in 1 patient with 2 children suffering from severe chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic inflammatory disease. ConclusionsDespite its rarity, accurate diagnosis and morphologic description of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome with radiologic modalities are of importance in relieving the clinical complaints by enabling the suitable surgical treatment to be identified.