Unicornuate uterus

A type of congenital uterine anomaly

Diagram of a unicornuate uterus

Illustration of various uterine malformations, including unicornuate uterus

A unicornuate uterus is a type of congenital disorder of the female reproductive system where the uterus is formed from only one Mullerian duct. This results in a uterus that is smaller than normal and has a single fallopian tube.

Development

The unicornuate uterus occurs due to the incomplete development of one of the paired Mullerian ducts during embryogenesis. Normally, the two ducts fuse to form a single uterine cavity, but in the case of a unicornuate uterus, one duct fails to develop or is underdeveloped, leading to a hemi-uterus.

Classification

Unicornuate uteri are classified based on the presence or absence of a rudimentary horn, which may or may not communicate with the main uterine cavity. The classification includes:

• Unicornuate uterus with a communicating rudimentary horn
• Unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating rudimentary horn
• Unicornuate uterus with no rudimentary horn
• Unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn containing no cavity

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Women with a unicornuate uterus may experience dysmenorrhea, infertility, or recurrent miscarriage. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, or hysterosalpingography.

Complications

The presence of a unicornuate uterus can lead to several complications, particularly during pregnancy. These include:

• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Preterm birth
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Breech presentation

Treatment

There is no treatment to correct the anatomical anomaly of a unicornuate uterus. However, management focuses on addressing symptoms and complications. In some cases, surgical removal of a rudimentary horn may be necessary if it causes pain or other issues.

Prognosis

The reproductive prognosis for women with a unicornuate uterus varies. While some women may experience normal pregnancies, others may face challenges such as infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Close monitoring by healthcare providers is often recommended during pregnancy.

Related pages

• Uterine malformation
• Mullerian duct anomalies
• Reproductive system