Female genital malformations and their associated abnormalities

Objective: With an incidence of up to 5% in the general population, genital malformations are a frequent clinical occurence. The aim of this study was to assess whether a connection could be demonstrated between various degrees of severity of genital malformations and associated abnormalities. Design: All patients were classified using the Vagina, Cervis, Uterus, Adnex and Associated Malformation (VCUAM) classification. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Two hundred eleven premenopausal patients with female genital malformations. Intervention(s): The patients underwent diagnosis workup for genital malformations using laparoscopy as well as hysteroscopy. Associated malformations were detected by either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound. Main Outcome Measure(s): Demonstration of a connection between various degrees of severity of genital malformations and associated abnormalities. Result(s): In 72 cases (36%) out of 202 patients with uterine malformations (VCUAM U1-4) we found associated abnormalities. The predominant findings were alternations in the renal system. When vaginal abnormality (VCUAM V1-5) alone was taken into consideration, an associated developmental disturbance in the renal tract found in 30% of cases (n = 32 from 107). Conclusion(s): A close connection was demonstrated between genital malformations and associated abnormalities. For this reason, the diagnosis workup in patients with malformations should always include the renal system. Depending on the severity of the clinical picture, examinations may need to be extended further.