Uterine Anomalies Research Articles

Comparison Between Scissors and Resectoscope in Resection of Uterine Septum

Background: Septate uterus is a common congenital uterine malformation. It is due to abnormal resorption of the Mullerian canal in embryonic life. Poor reproductive outcomes (e.g., abortion and preterm births) are associated with septate uterus.
 Aim of the work: The present study aimed to compare scissors and resectoscope regarding the efficacy and safety in resection of uterine septum.
 Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of Al-Azhar University Hospital (New Damietta) from December 2017 to October 2020. Women were assigned into one of the two groups. The first included fifteen women, who underwent septoplasty by scissor and the Group II included fifteen women who were submitted to septoplasty by bipolar resectoscope.
 Results: Group (I) had a higher pain score in group I than group II with a significant difference. Mild pain was reported in 10 cases (66.7%) in group I and 4 (26.7%) in group II. However, moderate pain was reported for 5 cases (33.3%) and 11 cases (73.3%) in groups I and II, respectively, with a statistically significant difference. However, both groups were comparable regarding patient characteristics, operative data, postoperative complications and postoperative results of hysteroscopy, three months after the resection of the uterine septum.
 Conclusion: Scissor is preferred over the bipolar resectoscope especially in thin septum. It is associated with comparable outcome to the bipolar resectoscope. However, bipolar resectoscope was associated with significantly higher pain scores than scissors.

Exploring hysterosalpingography findings and pregnancy results among women applying to a tertiary referral hospital

Aims: To find out the correlation between hysterosalpingography (HSG) pathologies and pregnancy results of infertility patients. Infertility is a complicated complaint prevalent among women of reproductive age with severe financial and social consequences. HSG, adopted for evaluating infertility, can be considered a secondary imaging technique in practice following ultrasound examination. The present study attempted to explore the HSG results of patients applying to our hospital with the complaint of infertility in the last two years and to compare these results with their pregnancy. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the HSG results of the patients applying to or referred to our hospital from an external center between 10.01.2018 and 30.08.2020 with the complaint of infertility.260 patients were included in the study. The patients were grouped by their primary and secondary infertility. We analyzed anomalies detected by HSG in two groups: uterine and tubal anomalies. Moreover, those becoming pregnant following HSG until June 2022 were grouped by reproductive techniques (spontaneous or assisted). Patients not having optimal imaging, with HSG reports obtained at an external center, and with insignificant results were excluded from the study. Results: The patients’ mean age was calculated to be 36 years (21-52 years). While 144 patients (55%) were diagnosed with primary infertility, 116 (45%) had a diagnosis with secondary infertility. There was no uterine or tubal anomaly in 157 patients undergoing HSG, but we discovered only a uterine defect in 28 of 103 patients and a tubal defect including at least one uterine and comorbid tuba in 44 patients. In 45 patients with a uterine anomaly, the most prevalent HSG findings were uterine filling defect (28 patients, 62.2%) and arcuate uterus (10 patients, 22.2%). We also discovered that 81 patients became pregnant at least once after HSG. While 50 of them got pregnant spontaneously, the remaining benefitted from assisted reproductive techniques. Our findings showed spontaneous pregnancy not to be associated with primary or secondary infertility (p=0.394; OR=0.765; 95% CI: 0.412-1.42). There was also no relationship between primary and secondary infertility and abnormal HSG findings (p=0.437; OR=0.820; 95% CI: 0.498-1.35). Finally, we concluded that abnormal HSG findings did not significantly contribute to the rate of spontaneous pregnancy (p=0.701; OR=1.13; 95% CI: 0.604-2.11). Conclusion: We concluded that abnormal HSG findings did not contribute to the rates of spontaneous pregnancy.

Clinical features of 102 patients with different types of Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a rare female genital tract malformation, and there are few large sample studies reported at home and abroad. The clinical manifestations of this syndrome are diverse, and insufficient understanding may delay the diagnosis and treatment of the patients. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of different types of HWWS patients, and to improve the diagnosis and treatment of HWWS. The clinical data of patients with HWWS who were hospitalized in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from October 1, 2009 to April 5, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The age, medical history, physical examination, imaging examination and treatment of the patients were collected for statistical analysis. The patients were divided into an imperforate oblique vaginal septum type, a perforate oblique vaginal septum type, and an imperforate oblique vaginal septum and cervical fistula type. The clinical characteristics of different types of HWWS patients were compared. A total of 102 HWWS patients were enrolled, with age of 10-46 years old, including 37 (36.27%) patients with type I, 50 (49.02%) type II, and 15 (14.71%) type III. All patients were diagnosed after menarche, with an average age of (20.5±7.4) years. There were significant differences in the age of diagnosis and course of disease among the 3 types of HWWS patients (both P<0.05). Patients with type I had the youngest age of diagnosis [(18.0±6.0) years] and the shortest course of disease (median course of 6 months), while patients with type III had the oldest age of diagnosis [(22.9±9.8) years] and the longest course of disease (median course of 48 months). The main clinical manifestation of type I was dysmenorrhea, and the main clinical manifestation of type II and type III was abnormal vaginal bleeding. Of the 102 patients, 67 (65.69%) patients had double uterus, 33 (32.35%) had septate uterus, and 2 (1.96%) had bicornuate uterus. The vast majority of patients had renal agenesis on the oblique septum, and only 1 patient had renal dysplasia on the oblique septum. The oblique septum located on the left side in 45 (44.12%) patients and on the right side in 57 (55.88%) patients. There were no significant differences in uterine morphology, urinary system malformation, pelvic mass, and oblique septum among the 3 types of HWWS patients (all P>0.05). Six (5.88%) patients had ovarian chocolate cyst, 4 (3.92%) patients had pelvic abscess, and 5 (4.90%) patients had hydrosalpinx. All patients underwent vaginal oblique septum resection. Among them, 42 patients underwent hysteroscopic incision of the oblique vaginal septum without destroying the intact hymen because they had no sexual life history, and the remaining 60 patients underwent traditional oblique vaginal septum resection. Among the 102 patients, 89 patients were followed up for 1 month to 12 years. The symptoms of vaginal oblique septum in 89 patients such as dysmenorrhea, abnormal vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge were improved after operation. Among the 42 patients who underwent hysteroscopic incision of the oblique vaginal septum without destroying the intact hymen, 25 patients underwent hysteroscopies again 3 months after operation, and there was no obvious scar formation at the oblique septum incision site. Different types of HWWS have different clinical manifestations, but all can be manifested as dysmenorrhea. The patient's uterine morphology can be manifested as double uterus, septate uterus, or bicornuate uterus. The possibility of HWWS should be considered if uterine malformation is combined with renal agenesis. Vaginal oblique septum resection is an effective treatment.

Concurrent Diagnosis of Adenomyosis and Congenital Uterine Anomalies: A Review.

Background: Adenomyosis and congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) can compromise reproductive potential and may coexist in the same patient, especially in cases of infertility. This review (CRD42022382850) aims to evaluate the published cases of concurrent adenomyosis and syndromic and nonsyndromic CUAs. Methods: A literature search for suitable articles published in the English language was performed using the following databases from inception to 30 November 2022: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, the Cochrane Library, Health Technology Assessment Database, and Web of Science. Articles including both CUAs and adenomyosis, with data about their potential relationship, were included. Results: The literature search retrieved 14 articles that met the purpose of this review and summarized the most recent findings regarding the concurrent diagnosis of adenomyosis and CUAs. Conclusions: Adenomyosis can be found in both syndromic and nonsyndromic CUAs, and may arise from several etiologies. The hypothesis that obstructions in CUAs increase uterine pressure and promote the development of adenomyosis remains to be further elucidated, and additional findings may also play a role. The patient's genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal patterns, as well as normal physiological processes, such as pregnancy, may influence the growth of adenomyosis.

Differences in the anatomical structure of the uterus between fertile and infertile individuals.

Infertility affects a significant portion of the reproductive population and is caused by structural and hormonal factors. The prevalence of congenital uterine anomalies is 3%-4%, with the most common anomaly being septate uterus. However, further research is needed to determine whether these anomalies can cause infertility. In this study, we compared the morphometric parameters of the uterus of fertile and infertile individuals. Based on the data obtained, we aimed to determine the parameters to be evaluated for fertility prediction and to investigate the effect of uterine septum on fertility. The uteruses of 55 infertile and 80 fertile individuals between the age range of 20-45 years were analyzed retrospectively using magnetic resonance images. Infertile individuals were categorized into two groups according to the reasons for infertility: Group I, which included women with congenital uterine anomalies (septate uterus), and Group II, which included women with tubal and male factors. Group III comprised fertile individuals. Uterine length (UL), uterine body length (UbL), cervical length (CxL), uterine cavity length (UcL), anteroposterior diameter (APD), transverse diameter (TD), fundal thickness (FT), and ostial distance (OD) were measured. The uterine positions were examined. The data of uterine variables were evaluated statistically according to age and groups. The mean ages of individuals in Groups I, II, and III were 29.88 ± 6.69, 29.21 ± 4.59, and 27.45 ± 5.43 years, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of UL, UbL, CxL, UcL, APD, FT, and OD variables (p < 0.05), except for TD (p > 0.05). We observed that UL, UcL, length/width ratio, and APD parameters are important factors that influence fertility. Evaluating these parameters before septum resection would be useful in predicting the contribution of this surgical operation to fertility.

Reproducibility and usability assessment of the novel Fine Birth device for threatened preterm labor diagnosis

Preterm delivery is considered the leading cause of mortality worldwide in children under five. Forty-five million pregnant women are hospitalized yearly for Threatened Preterm Labor (TPTL). However, only 50% of TPTLs end in delivery before the estimated date, classifying the rest as false TPTL. The ability of current diagnostic methods to predict TPTL is low (low positive predictive value), ranging between 8-30%. This highlights the need for a solution that accurately detects and differentiates between false and real TPTLs in women who attend obstetric clinics and hospital emergency departments with delivery symptoms. This is a pilot study aiming at first, to assess the reproducibility and usability of a novel medical device, the Fine Birth, aimed at accurately diagnosing TPTL through the objective quantification of pregnant women's cervical consistency. Secondarily, we aimed to evaluate the impact of training and the incorporation of a lateral micro camera on the device's reliability and usability outcomes. 77 singleton pregnant women were recruited during their follow-up visit to the obstetric and gynecological departments at five Spanish hospitals. Eligibility criteria were: pregnant women ≥ 18 years old, with a normal fetus and uncomplicated pregnancy, without prolapse of membranes, uterine anomalies, previous cervical surgery or latex allergy, and signing the informed written consent. Cervical tissue stiffness was assessed using the Fine Birth device, whose technology is based on the propagation of torsional waves through the studied tissue. Cervical consistency measurements were taken for each woman until obtaining two valid measurements by two different operators. The intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility of the Fine Birth measurements was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and the F-test p-value. The usability was evaluated based on clinicians' and participants' feedback. There was a good intra-observer reproducibility (ICC=0.88, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95; F-test p-value < 0.05). Since the results obtained for the inter-observer reproducibility did not reach the desired acceptable values (ICC<0.75), a lateral micro camera was added to the Fine Birth intravaginal probe, and the operators involved in the clinical investigation received the corresponding training with the modified device. Analysis of 16 additional subjects demonstrated an excellent inter-observer reproducibility (ICC=0.93, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.97) and a clear improvement after the intervention (p<0.0001). The robust reproducibility and usability results obtained after the insertion of a lateral micro camera and the corresponding training make the Fine Birth a promising novel device to objectively quantify the patient's cervical consistency, diagnose TPTL and thus, predict the risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Further research is needed to demonstrate the clinical utility of the device.

Myoma of the rudimentary uterus in Mayer –Rokitansky – Kuster – Hauser syndrome. Clinical case

The article presents a clinical case of large fibroids with complete aplasia of the uterus and vagina (Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser syndrome), a retrospective analysis of the patients anamnestic data, the result of surgical treatment.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich Syndrome: About an Uncommon Case Report

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS), defined by the triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis, is a rare Mullerian duct malformation, usually diagnosed after menarche, when symptoms related to haematocolpos arise. HWW generally occurs at puberty and exhibits variable symptoms including pelvic pain shortly following menarche, dysmenorrhoea, palpable mass due to the associated haematocolpos or haematometra or haemoperitoneum due to retrograde menstruation. Ultrasonography and MRI are extremely useful in the diagnosis and classification of Müllerian duct anomalies. 3D ultrasound is more effective in the diagnosis of uterine malformation. Early detection of this relatively rare syndrome can lead to the provision of immediate treatment to preserve future fertility. We present a rare case report on Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome from Morocco.

Pregnancy Completed on a Uterus Pseudo Unicorn: To About of One Case

The incidence of uterine malformations is estimated in the general population between 0.1 and 3%. The occurrence of pregnancy in case of Uterine malformation is a potentially high obstetrical risk situation. We describe a rare case of a pregnancy carried to term on a pseudounicorn uterus diagnosed during an infertility assessment with rudimentary horn resection by laparoscopy , preventing thus the major risk of uterine rupture. The evolution was favorable until 37 WA when the patient was scheduled for caesarean section prophylactic.

Hysteroscopic Identification of Intrauterine Pathology in Oocyte Donation Cycles: A Retrospective Study.

Hysteroscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of intracavitary uterine anomalies. As for recipients where oocyte donation is mandatory, accurate evaluation of previously missed intrauterine pathology may be an important step to optimize implantation process. The aim of this study was to hysteroscopically assess the incidence of unidentified intrauterine pathology prior to embryo transfer in an oocyte recipient population. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted between 2013 and 2022 at Assisting Nature In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Centre in Thessaloniki, Greece. The study population consisted of oocyte recipient women who underwent hysteroscopy one-three months before embryo transfer. Furthermore, oocyte recipients after repeated implantation failure were investigated as a subgroup. Any identified pathology was treated accordingly. In total, 180 women underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy prior to embryo transfer with donor oocytes. The mean maternal age at the time of intervention was 38.9 (+5.2) years, while the mean duration of infertility was 6.03 (+1.23) years. Additionally, 21.7% (n=39) of the study population had abnormal hysteroscopic findings. In particular, congenital uterine anomalies (U1a: 1.1% {n=2}, U2a: 5.6% {n=10}, U2b: 2.2% {n=4}) and polyps (n=16) were the main findings in the sample population. Furthermore, 2.8% (n=5) had submucous fibroids and 1.1% (n=2) were diagnosed with intrauterine adhesions. Notably, in recipients after repeated implantation failure intrauterine pathology rates were even higher (39.5%). Oocyte recipients and especially those with repeated implantation failures probably have high rates of previously undiagnosed intrauterine pathologyso, hysteroscopy would be justified in these subfertile populations.

Reconsidering the best minimally invasive approach for patients with herlyn-werner-wunderlich syndrome: Should we push the frontiers for a better outcome?

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare congenital defect of the Mullerian ducts characterized by uterine didelphys, unilateral obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. It frequently presents during puberty, with complications such as pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Surgical management is the mainstay treatment. A vaginal access for septum resection is usually used. However, it can be in difficult in several situations such as a very proximal septum with a small bulge, or in the case of virgin patients with social considerations regarding the hymenal ring integrity. Thus, a laparoscopic approach may be a beneficial alternative. In particular, laparoscopic hemi hysterectomy has recently gained remarkable interest due to its added benefit of treating the cause rather than treating only the symptoms. It removes the source of the bleeding, thus stopping the flow. However, it transforms a bicornuate uterus into a unicornuate uterus, leading to some obstetrical concerns. Should we push the frontiers further and consider laparoscopic hemi hysterectomy for better outcomes as the mainstay management of patients with OHVIRA syndrome?

Evaluation of the relationship between ovarian reserve with congenital anomalies and intramural uterine leiomyoma among infertile women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOvarian reserve is a crucial indicator of a woman’s fertility potential, which is determined by the quality and quantity of antral follicles and oocytes. However, certain factors such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, myoma, and the natural process of aging can lead to a poor ovarian response to stimulation, reducing a woman’s chances of conceiving.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of uterus congenital anomalies and uterine leiomyoma are associated on ovarian reserve.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was performed on 321 infertile women in three groups consisted of 97 infertile women with intramural uterine leiomyoma and 81 infertile women with uterine anomalies and 143 infertile women without uterine anomalies and uterine leiomyoma during 2017–2019 in Royan Center. Sampling method was continuous and available. Data collection tool in this study was a questionnaire which was in two parts of individual variables and the second part was related to ultrasound results (number of antral follicles and ovarian volume) and laboratory tests (Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)). Ovarian reserve parameters were measured in three groups on the third day of the cycle in both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21. Quantitative variables were analyzed using t-test, qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square test.ResultsThe results of in laboratory parameters showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in FSH (2.35 ± 1.55, 2.07 ± 1.81, 2.31 ± 1.93) and AMH (6.84 ± 2.75,7.52 ± 3.14,6.93 ± 3.04), respectively (P > 0.05). The results of sonographic variables also showed that the variables include number of antral follicles in right ovarian, number of antral follicles in left ovarian have statistically significant between the three groups (5.73 ± 2.69,4.84 ± 3.14,6.66 ± 3.13), respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present study showed that uterine abnormalities and uterine leiomyoma with different mechanisms such as reduce of antral follicle numbers and the effect on uterine and ovarian blood flow lead to a decrease in ovarian reserve and infertility. Therefore, treatment and surgery can reduce these effects and improve the fertility of the affected women.

Keratoconus in association with Mullerian dysgenesis – A case report

Keratoconus (KC) is a multifactorial disease with numerous associated systemic disorders. Hormonal dysfunction is commonly identified as a risk factor in the progression of KC. However, KC is very rarely known to be associated with congenital uterine anomalies. We present a case report of a 34-year-old female diagnosed with bilateral KC with hypoplastic uterus and septate vagina, albeit with normal sex hormonal parameters. Recognizing the existence of this rare association will encourage the diagnosis of such cases in futurity. Also, it is mandatory to do karyotyping in these cases to rule out the risk of developing gonadoblastoma.

Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnancies with Uterine Leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effect of uterine leiomyoma characteristics and cesarean myomectomy on maternal and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: The study included patients with singleton pregnancies and uterine leiomyomas who had delivered at or beyond 24 weeks' gestation; without comorbidities, uterine anomalies, or fetal malformations. Data from 240 patients were studied between 2012 and 2022 in the perinatology clinic of a tertiary care center. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Among the women with uterine leiomyomas, 21.7% were delivered vaginally and 78.3% via cesarean section. Myomectomy was performed in 150 out of 188 (79.8%) patients undergoing cesarean section. It was found that cases with leiomyomas ≥7 cm, compared to those with &lt;4cm, had deliveries at earlier gestational weeks (36w6/7±2d vs. 37w+6/7±2d, p=0.018) and had lower newborn birthweight (2849.44±516.74 g vs. 3237.5±350.6 g, p&lt;0.001), longer operation time (105.92±34.78 min vs. 68.21± 22.31 min, p&lt;0.001) and a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit requirement (48.1% vs. 13.7%, p&lt;0.001). In cases with ≥2 leiomyomas compared to those with single leiomyomas, gestational age at birth was smaller and birthweight was lower (p&lt;0.05). The amount of blood loss (969.66±427.21 mL vs. 738.15±337.2 mL and 553.84±366.46 mL), duration of surgery (83.23±29.56 min vs. 64.47±17.96 min) and transfusion requirements (36% vs. 5.3% and 28.8%) were higher in women who underwent myomectomy during cesarean section than in the other women undergoing only cesarean section or delivering vaginally (p&lt;0.05). CONCLUSION: It was found that a leiomyoma size of ≥7 cm and number of ≥2 were both associated with earlier gestational age at birth and lower birth weight. Myomectomy performed during cesarean section increased the blood loss, duration of surgery, and the need for transfusion.

Can Classifications Adequately Represent Genital Malformations?: EVA Study ( E SHRE/ESGE | V CUAM | A FS) - A Prospective Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Current Female Genital Malformation Classifications.

Introduction Genital malformations are a common clinical occurrence that can be represented using different classifications. Reproducibility is an essential quality characteristic for a classification, and it plays an important role, especially in consultations and the treatment of infertile patients and in obstetric management. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the reproducibility and clinical practicality of three commonly used classifications: the ESHRE/ESGE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/ European Society for Gynecological Endoscopy), VCUAM (Vagina Cervix Uterus Adnex-associated Malformation), and AFS (American Fertility Society) classifications. Materials and Methods Sixty-five patients with female genital malformations were included in this prospective, multicenter, exploratory, observational study. All participants underwent a clinical examination and a medical interview. The investigators were instructed to classify the presenting malformations according to the ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM, and AFS classifications using a structured questionnaire. Investigators were asked whether the malformation could be reproducibly classified (yes/no) and about the grade (grade 1-5 from "very good" to "deficient") they would assign to each classification. Classification assessment was queried for vagina, cervix, uterus, adnexa, and associated malformations and was scored from 1 to 5. Results Reproducibility was rated as 80% (n=52/65), 92.3% (n=60/65), and 56.9% (n=37/65) for the ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM, and AFS classification, respectively. ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM and AFS were rated as "very good" or "good" for 83.3%, 89.2%, and 10.8% of vaginal malformations; for 75.8%, 87.5%, and 24.2% of cervical malformations; and for 89.7%, 89.5%, and 86.2% of uterine malformations, respectively. VCUAM was rated as "very good" or "good" for 77.8% and 69.6% of adnexal malformations and associated malformations, respectively. ESHRE/ESGE and AFS were rated as "sufficient" or "deficient" for 100% and 75% of adnexal malformations and for 77.3% and 69.6% of associated malformations, respectively. Conclusion The prospective multicenter EVA ( E SHRE/ESGE | V CUAM | A FS) study revealed that the organ-based ESHRE/ESGE and VCUAM classifications of female genital malformations perform better in terms of reproducibility as well as in the assessment of individual compartments than the non-organ-based AFS classification.

Successful pregnancy in the blind hemicavity of Robert’s uterus: a rare case report and brief literature review

BackgroundRobert’s uterus is a rare congenital anomaly, characterized as an asymmetric septate uterus that has a blind hemicavity with unilateral menstrual fluid retention and a unicornuate hemicavity connecting to the cervix unimpededly. Patients with Robert’s uterus generally present with menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea, and some may have reproductive problems as well, including infertility, recurrent miscarriage, preterm labor and obstetric complications. In this case, we describe a successful pregnancy implanted on the obstructed hemicavity and delivered a liveborn girl. Meanwhile, we highlight diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in patients with atypical symptoms of Robert’s uterus.Case presentationA 30-year-old Chinese primigravida sought for emergency treatment at 26 weeks and 2 days of gestation because of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). At the age of 19, the patient was misdiagnosed with hyperprolactinemia and pituitary microadenoma for showing symptom of hypomenorrhea and was suspected to have a uterine septum in the first trimester. She was diagnosed with Robert’s uterus at 22 weeks of gestation by repetitious prenatal transvaginal ultrasonography, which was subsequently confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. At 26 weeks and 3 days of gestation, the patient was suspected to have oligohydramnion, irregular uterine contraction, and umbilical cord prolapse, and she expressed a strong will of saving the baby. Emergency cesarean delivery was performed and a small hole, together with several weak spots, was found at the lower and back wall of the septum of the patient. The treatment was effective and both the mother and the infant, who had an extremely low birth weight, were discharged in good health conditions.ConclusionsPregnancy in the blind cavity of Robert's uterus with living neonates is incredibly rare. In our case, the favorable outcome may result from the unusual hole found at the septum, which may play a role in communicating amniotic fluid between the two hemicavities so to keep the neonate alive. we highlight the importance of early diagnosis and pre-pregnancy treatment of this uterine malformation, and the timely termination of pregnancy, for improving birth quality and reducing mortality.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor priming improves embryos and pregnancy rate in patients with poor ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGranulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration increased ovarian preantral follicles and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in animal models with diminished ovarian reserve. We investigated whether G-CSF priming before treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART) improved embryo development and pregnancy rate while increasing serum AMH in patients with poor ovarian reserve.MethodsIn this prospective randomized open-label controlled trial, 100 patients 20 to 42 years old with AMH below 2 ng/mL were randomized to priming or control groups (50 patients each). None had over 1 ART failure, day-3 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) above 30 IU/L, uterine anomalies, or a partner with azoospermia. All patients initially underwent conventional infertility treatment for 2 consecutive cycles in which the priming group but not controls received a subcutaneous G-CSF priming injection during the early luteal phase. Each group then underwent 1 cycle of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and fresh embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-fresh ET), followed by cryopreserved ET if needed until live birth or embryo depletion. AMH was measured before and after priming.ResultsFertilization rate, embryonic development, and implantation rate by fresh ET were significantly improved by priming. Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates by IVF/ICSI-fresh ET were significantly higher with priming (30% and 26% in 47 ART patients; 3 delivered with conventional treatment) than in controls (12% and 10% in 49 ART patients; 1 dropped out). With priming, significantly more patients achieved cryopreservation of redundant blastocysts. The cumulative live birth rate was 32% in 50 patients with priming, significantly higher than 14% in 49 controls (relative risk, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–7.7). Infants derived from priming had no congenital anomalies, while infant weights, birth weeks, and Apgar scores were similar between groups. Among 4 variables (age, day-3 FSH, AMH, and priming), logistic regression significantly associated age and priming with cumulative live birth. Priming significantly increased serum AMH. No adverse effects of priming were observed.ConclusionG-CSF priming improved embryonic development and pregnancy rate during ART treatment and increased AMH in patients with poor ovarian reserve. Enhanced preantral follicle growth likely was responsible.Trial registrationUMIN registration in Japan (UMIN000013956) on May 14, 2014. https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm.

Clinical characteristics and offspring developmental malformation of 126 patients with septate uterus.

Clinical characteristics and offspring developmental malformation of 126 patients with septate uterus.

Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the rectovaginal septum: A rare case report.

Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the rectovaginal septum is a very rare event. We reported a case of a 55-year-old woman diagnosed with a lump in the vaginal rectal septum after undergoing hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in 2017, who was admitted to our department due to vaginal bleeding. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis indicated the vaginal rectal space cystic and solid mass about 110 mm × 100 mm × 140 mm in size. The pathological diagnosis of postoperative was clear cell adenocarcinoma. Abdominal laparotomy showed a solid block of the vaginal rectal septum. Surgery was performed to reduce the tumor. This patient received 8 courses of combined chemotherapy courses after surgery for the residual lesion and achieved a complete response. Due to the rare observation of the growth pattern, the cell morphology and immune phenotype are not specific, and clinical and pathological diagnosis is difficult. Introducing the diagnosis and treatment of this case and reviewing the literature provide a relevant reference for clinicians identification and diagnosis and treatment of this rare case.

High level of thyroid peroxidase antibodies as a detrimental risk of pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women undergoing ART: A meta-analysis.

Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) triggered by genetic and epigenetic variation occurs mostly in women of reproductive age. TAI is described mainly by positivity of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and/or thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab). TPO-Ab, but not TG-Ab, was suggested to be associated with pregnancy outcome in euthyroid women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), but their results are conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to decide whether the presence of TPO-Ab-in a concentration dependent manner-correlates with the success of ART. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for relevant articles published from January 1999 to April 2022, and these studies focused on the effect of TAI on pregnancy outcomes of women who underwent in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and intrauterine insemination and met the inclusion criteria: (i) the studies were prospective or retrospective study; (ii) all patients undergoing ART were tested for thyroid-related antibodies; (iii) the assessed ART outcomes included miscarriage rate (MR) or delivery rate (DR). The exclusion criteria were: (i) female congenital uterine malformation, chromosomal diseases and other infectious diseases; (ii) overt hypothyroidism or pre-existing thyroid disease; (iii) thrombus tendency. We divided the included patients into three groups according to the TPO-Ab threshold they defined: (i) TPO-Ab (-), threshold <34 IU/mL; (ii) TPO-Ab-34, threshold >34 IU/mL; (iii) TPO-Ab-100, threshold >100 IU/mL. We then extracted necessary relevant data, including MR and DR. Egger's test was used to evaluate the risk of publication bias. This meta-analysis included a total of 7 literatures involving 7466 patients with TAI (-) and 965 patients with TAI (+) and revealed that there was no significant difference between group TPO-Ab-34 and group TPO-Ab (-) in MR [risk ratio (RR): 0.61 (0.35, 1.08), p = 0.09] and DR [RR: 0.97 (0.83, 1.13), p = 0.69]. By contrast, compared to TPO-Ab (-) group, TPO-Ab-100 patients showed markedly higher MR [RR: 2.12 (1.52, 2.96), p = 0.0046], and lower DR [RR: 0.66 (0.49, 0.88), p < 0.0001] with high degree of statistical significance. This meta-analysis suggests that, for euthyroid patients, high level of TPO-Ab (>100 IU/mL) could adversely influence the pregnancy outcome of ART.