Reproductive Implications and Management of Congenital Uterine Anomalies (2024 Second Edition)

Abstract

Congenital uterine anomalies (CUAs) are malformations of the uterus (womb) that develop during fetal life. When a female baby is in her mother's uterus, her uterus develops as two separate halves from two tubular structures called Müllerian ducts, which fuse together before she is born. Anomalies that occur during the baby's development can be variable, from complete absence of the uterus through to more subtle anomalies, which are classified into specific categories. While conventional ultrasound is good at detecting CUAs, 3D ultrasound is used to confirm a diagnosis. If a complex uterine anomaly is suspected, additional investigations may be used, including MRI scanning, laparoscopy (where a camera is inserted into the cavity of the abdomen) and/or hysteroscopy (where a camera is placed in the uterine cavity). As there can be a link between CUAs and anomalies of the kidney and bladder, scans of these organs are also usually requested.