Transverse Vaginal Septum Associated With Tubal Atresia

Abstract

Transverse vaginal septum is a defect of vertical fusion during embryogenesis of the vagina. The estimated incidence is 1 per 30,000 to 84,000 women. It is infrequently associated with genitourinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal, and cardiac malformations. Previous reports of transverse vaginal septum have included unilateral absence of the fallopian tube and ovary and absence of the proximal portion of the fallopian tube. This report describes bilateral tubal atresia associated with a transverse vaginal septum. A 17-year-old nulligravida sought medical assessment because of primary amenorrhea and cyclic pelvic pain. Physical examination revealed a blind vaginal pouch and a tender pelvic mass. Radiologic studies showed a transverse vaginal septum 1.5 cm distal to the cervix. The septum was resected with laparoscopic guidance, and bilateral fallopian tubal atresia was noted. The pelvis was otherwise normal. Patients commonly have a pelvic or abdominal mass, pain, and amenorrhea at time of expected menarche. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Postoperative dilation may be necessary to prevent restenosis. Outlook for pregnancy is encouraging despite a higher than normal incidence of spontaneous abortion and endometriosis in such patients.