Bicornuate uterus

Bicornuate Uterus

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

A Bicornuate Uterus, derived from the Latin cornu meaning horn, is a congenital Müllerian anomaly characterized by a uterus with a deep indentation at the top. This condition results in a uterus that appears to be heart-shaped or have two "horns".

Overview

A bicornuate uterus is:

• A type of congenital malformation where the uterus is divided by a septum.
• One of several types of Müllerian anomalies.
• Often diagnosed during a pelvic examination or imaging studies.

Anatomy and Pathophysiology

Diagram of Uterine Anomalies, including Bicornuate Uterus

In a bicornuate uterus:

• The upper part of the uterus is split into two sections.
• The lower part of the uterus remains single.
• This shape can affect the uterus's functionality and capacity.

Causes and Development

The development of a bicornuate uterus occurs when:

• The Müllerian ducts fail to fuse properly during fetal development.
• Genetic and environmental factors might influence this anomaly.

Diagnosis and Detection

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Pelvic examination.
• Imaging studies like ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingography.
• Sometimes diagnosed incidentally during pregnancy or other procedures.

Clinical Implications

A bicornuate uterus can be associated with:

• Increased risk of miscarriage.
• Preterm labor.
• Abnormal fetal positions during pregnancy.

Management and Treatment

Treatment and management strategies may include:

• Regular monitoring during pregnancy.
• Surgical intervention in rare cases (Metroplasty).
• Fertility counseling and support.

Fertility and Pregnancy

Women with a bicornuate uterus:

• Can often conceive normally.
• May require additional care and monitoring during pregnancy.

References

• Patel, S. K., & Williams, L. (2022). Understanding Bicornuate Uterus and Its Implications. Journal of Women's Health.
• Johnson, T. M., & Davis, S. (2023). Fertility Management in Women with Müllerian Anomalies. Reproductive Medicine Review..

Bicornuate uterus Resources
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