Unicornuate uterus with a functional non-communicating horn in adolescent

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Aug 26;14(8):e242874. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242874.

Abstract

Common causes of pelvic pain are primary dysmenorrhoea, Müllerian duct anomalies, outflow obstruction, leiomyoma, endometriosis and adenomyosis. Unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn is a rare congenital malformation of the female genital tract, asymptomatic because of lack of functional endometrium. This study presents a rare case of a non-communicating functional rudimentary horn. A 16-year-old unmarried Yemeni female adolescent with a history of irregular painful menstrual period visited Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient clinic. Pelvic ultrasound was conducted showing an asymmetrical uterine configuration with the non-communicating rudimentary horn on the right side. Laparoscopic excision of the horn was planned for the patient. Non-communicating rudimentary horn with functional endometrium should be considered as a differential diagnosis in the female adolescent with obstructive uterine symptoms. Early diagnosis is crucial. Using the laparoscopic approach, an expert surgeon prefers definitive management to excise the rudimentary horn.

Keywords: gynaecology and fertility; obstetrics; reproductive medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Dysmenorrhea / etiology
  • Endometriosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Urogenital Abnormalities* / complications
  • Urogenital Abnormalities* / diagnostic imaging
  • Urogenital Abnormalities* / surgery
  • Uterus / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterus / surgery