Bicornate uterus

Bicornuate uterus is a type of müllerian duct anomaly where the uterus is heart-shaped. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. The uterus has two horns and a heart shape, hence the name "bicornuate" which is derived from the Latin words for "two-horned".

Anatomy

In a bicornuate uterus, the upper part of the uterus is divided by a septum, a wall of tissue. This septum partially or fully splits the uterus into two separate cavities, each with its own cervix. The lower part of the uterus is normal and leads to the vagina.

Causes

The bicornuate uterus is caused by an abnormal formation of the müllerian ducts during fetal development. The müllerian ducts are structures in the embryo that develop into the female reproductive tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and upper part of the vagina. If the müllerian ducts do not fuse together properly, it can result in a bicornuate uterus.

Symptoms

Many women with a bicornuate uterus do not experience any symptoms and the condition is often discovered during a routine pelvic examination. However, some women may experience symptoms such as miscarriage, preterm birth, abnormal bleeding, and pain.

Diagnosis

A bicornuate uterus can be diagnosed through various imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingography. These tests can help visualize the structure of the uterus and identify any abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for a bicornuate uterus is not always necessary. If the condition is causing symptoms or complications, surgery may be recommended. The most common surgical procedure is a metroplasty, which involves removing the septum to create a single, larger uterine cavity.

Prognosis

The prognosis for women with a bicornuate uterus varies. Some women may have no complications and can have successful pregnancies. However, others may have difficulties with pregnancy, including an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.

See also

• Uterine malformation
• Septate uterus
• Unicornuate uterus