实时三维超声成像诊断子宫畸形

目的 :探讨三维超声在诊断子宫畸形中的作用及子宫畸形对妊娠的影响。方法 :对 30例子宫畸形患者及 2 0例子宫形态正常者行三维超声检查 ,并记录孕产史。结果 :30例子宫畸形中 ,纵隔子宫 14例 ,双角子宫 10例 ,双子宫 5例 ,残角子宫 1例。对子宫畸形患者三维超声成像能清晰显示子宫内部结构 ,特别是子宫腔及内膜的形态和结构。结论 :三维超声能从不同角度观察各种位置的子宫内部构造 ,显示内膜形态 ,诊断子宫畸形的准确性明显优于二维超声。     

Uterine anomalies and pregnancy outcome following resectoscope metroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To compare reproductive outcome in women with uterine anomalies and women with a normal uterus, and evaluate the effect of resectoscope metroplasty. METHODS: The pregnancy outcomes, past and present, of 105 women with congenital uterine anomalies were compared with those of 182 women with a normally shaped uterus. The outcomes of 25 women with septate and bicornuate uteri before and after resectoscope metroplasty were also analyzed. The chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Uterine anomalies were associated with higher rates of spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, breech presentation, and cesarean delivery (P<0.001). The highest incidence of early spontaneous abortion was noted among women with septate uteri, and the highest incidence of preterm labor was noted among women with arcuate or bicornuate uteri. Among women with arcuate uteri, significantly lower gestational age and birth-weight were observed compared with any other type of adverse outcome. Compared with their previous pregnancies, the abortion rates were lower and delivery rates were higher in women who conceived following hysteroscopic metroplasty (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Resesctoscope metroplasty significantly improved pregnancy outcome in women with uterine anomalies.     

Ultrasound screening for congenital uterine anomalies

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of congenital uterine anomalies in 1046 women attending gynaecological ultrasound clinics for a variety of indications. Using three-dimensional ultrasound, anomalies were found in 55 women (5.4%), including 32 (3.1%) with an arcuate uterus and 23 (2.3%) with major anomalies. The prevalence of uterine anomalies was similar to the findings in women undergoing elective sterilisation, but lower than in studies of women with recurrent miscarriage.     

Uterine anomaly and recurrent pregnancy loss

Women with recurrent pregnancy loss have a 3.2 to 6.9% likelihood of having a major uterine anomaly and a 1.0 to 16.9% chance of having an arcuate uterus. Bicornuate and septate uterine have a negative impact on reproductive outcomes and are associated with subsequent euploid miscarriage. The impact of an arcuate uterus on pregnancy outcome remains unclear. There are no definitive criteria to distinguish among the arcuate, septate, and bicornuate uteri. The American Fertility Society classification of Müllerian anomalies is the most common standardized classification of uterine anomalies. According to estimates, 65 to 85% of patients with bicornuate or septate uteri have a successful pregnancy outcome after metroplasty. However, 59.5% of the patients with such anomalies have a successful subsequent pregnancy without surgery, with a cumulative live birthrate of 78.0%. There is no case-control study to compare live birthrates in women who had surgery compared with those who did not. Strict criteria to distinguish between the bicornuate and septate uterus should be established. Further study is needed to confirm the benefits of metroplasty.     

Post-abortion hysteroscopy: a method for early diagnosis of congenital and acquired intrauterine causes of abortions

Objective

Recurrent pregnancy loss is often defined as three or more consecutive pregnancy losses but there are no strict criteria for initiation of investigations after a miscarriage. We compared the frequency of uterine anomalies diagnosed by hysteroscopy following one, two and three or more miscarriages.

Study design

In our study 151 patients underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy following a missed or an incomplete abortion. Uterine septum, subseptum, arcuate uterus, and uterine hypoplasia are classified as congenital uterine anomalies and polyps, synechia, and submucous myomas are classified as acquired uterine abnormalities.

Results

151 Patients were enrolled in the study. The pregnancy numbers of the patients varied between 1 and 12. Sixty nine (46%) of the patients had one miscarriage, 42 (28%) had two miscarriages and 40 (26%) had three or more miscarriages. Diagnostic hysteroscopy revealed normal uterine cavity in 61.1% of the patients, congenital uterine anomalies in 20.4% and acquired uterine pathologies in 18.5%. Among the congenital anomalies, 14 (9.3%) were uterine septum, 10 (6.6%) were subseptate uterus, 4 (2.6%) were arcuate uterus and 3 (1.9%) were uterine hypoplasia. Among acquired abnormalities 14 (9.3%) were uterine synechia, 12 (7.9%) were endometrial polyps, and 2 (1.3%) were submucous myoma. Among patients who had one miscarriage 64.1% had a normal uterine cavity, 18.2% had congenital abnormalities and 17.7% had acquired uterine pathologies. Of patients with two miscarriages, 52% had a normal uterine cavity, 21.9% had congenital anomalies and 26.1% had acquired uterine pathology. In the three or more miscarriage group, 58.4% had normal uterine cavity, 25.3% had congenital anomalies, and 16.3% had acquired uterine pathology. We did not find any statistically significant difference between the number of miscarriages and pathologic diagnostic hysteroscopy findings.

Conclusions

Post-abortion office hysteroscopy is a simple and efficient tool in the early diagnosis of congenital and acquired uterine pathologies. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be performed after the first miscarriage in order to determine congenital and acquired uterine pathologies, with regard to the patient's age and anxiety level.     

Assessing congenital uterine anomalies: the role of three-dimensional ultrasonography

Congenital uterine anomalies are associated with a range of adverse reproductive outcomes but may also be found incidentally. Their significance in women with normal reproductive histories, who do not have a history of recurrent miscarriage or infertility, has been uncertain. The absence of these data has made it difficult to understand the true significance of congenital uterine anomalies found in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The advent of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasonography has enabled the accurate, non-invasive, outpatient diagnosis of congenital uterine anomalies. It has enabled large-scale screening and morphological analysis of congenital uterine anomalies.     

Reproductive performance of women with müllerian anomalies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses current diagnostic techniques for müllerian anomalies, reproductive outcome data, and management options in reproductive-age women. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple retrospective studies have investigated reproductive outcomes with müllerian anomalies, but few current prospective studies exist. Uterine anomalies are associated with normal and adverse reproductive outcomes such as recurrent pregnancy loss and preterm delivery, but not infertility. Furthermore, unicornuate, didelphic, bicornuate, septate, arcuate, and diethylstilbestrol-exposed uteri have their own reproductive implications and associated abnormalities. Common presentations of müllerian anomalies and current diagnostic techniques are reviewed. Surgical intervention for müllerian anomalies is indicated in women with pelvic pain, endometriosis, obstructive anomalies, recurrent pregnancy loss, and preterm delivery. Although surgery for most uterine anomalies is a major intervention, the uterine septum is preferentially managed with a hysteroscopic procedure. Several recent studies and review articles discuss management of the septate uterus in asymptomatic women, infertile women, and women with a history of poor reproductive outcomes. Current assessment of reproductive outcomes with uterine anomalies and management techniques is warranted. SUMMARY: Müllerian anomalies, especially uterine anomalies, are associated with both normal and adverse reproductive outcomes, and management in infertile women remains controversial.     

Three-dimensional ultrasound diagnosis of T-shaped uterus is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer

Research questionIs T-shaped uterine cavity morphology associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after transfer of a single thawed euploid blastocyst?DesignIn this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study, 648 patients with three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) data obtained on the day before embryo transfer were categorized into three groups according to uterine cavity morphology: normal (n = 472), intermediate (n = 166) and T-shaped (n = 10). Quantitative uterine cavity dimensions were used to evaluate uterine cavity morphology. Pregnancy outcomes, including live birth, clinical miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, were compared among the groups.ResultsThe prevalence of a T-shaped uterus in this cohort was 1.5%. Uterine cavity morphology was strongly associated with the ratio of interostial distance and isthmic diameter (P < 0.01). Live birth rates were 66.5% for normal, 65.7% for intermediate and 40.0% for T-shaped cavity morphology. Women with a T-shaped uterus had an increased risk of clinical miscarriage (40.0% versus 7.0% for normal and 9.0% for intermediate cavity morphology, P < 0.01) and ectopic pregnancy (10.0% versus 1.1% for normal and 1.9% for intermediate cavity morphology, P = 0.05). When evaluating interostial distance and isthmic diameter ratio to determine pregnancy outcomes, a cut-off value of 2 was noted to have weak predictive value for live birth, but not clinical miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.ConclusionsT-shaped uterine cavity morphology is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after transfer of a single thawed euploid blastocyst. Given the low prevalence of this condition, quantifying the magnitude of risk will require a larger cohort of patients.     

Anatomic factors associated with recurrent pregnancy loss

Anatomic uterine defects appear to predispose women to reproductive difficulties, including first- and second-trimester pregnancy losses, higher rates of preterm labor and birth, and abnormal fetal presentation. These anatomic abnormalities can be classified as congenital, including müllerian and diethylstilbestrol-related abnormalities, or acquired, such as intrauterine adhesions or leiomyomata. In women with three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions who underwent hysterosalpingography or hysteroscopic examination of their uteri, mullerian anomalies have been found in 8 to 10%. Women with mullerian anomalies may be predisposed to recurrent pregnancy loss because of inadequate vascularity to the developing embryo and placenta, reduced intraluminal volume, or cervical incompetence. The reproductive history of most women with a müllerian anomaly is poor, especially for women with a uterine septum, the most common mullerian anomaly. Recurrent pregnancy losses resulting from a uterine septum, bicornuate uterus, intrauterine adhesions, and fibroids are amenable to surgical correction. Women with müllerian anomaly and a history of second-trimester pregnancy losses may benefit from a prophylactic cervical cerclage.     

Anatomic factors in recurrent pregnancy loss

Anatomic uterine defects are present in 15% of women evaluated for three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions. These anatomic abnormalities can be classified as congenital or acquired. In addition to pregnancy loss, uterine malformations appear to predispose women to other reproductive difficulties including infertility, preterm labor, and abnormal presentation. These poor reproductive outcomes resulting from uterine septum, intrauterine adhesions, polyps, and fibroids are amenable to surgical correction. Therefore, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis to offer an adequate treatment. In this article, we review the common congenital and acquired uterine anomalies associated with recurrent pregnancy losses, and discuss contemporary diagnosis and treatment options.     

Assisted reproduction in women with uterine anomalies

A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the reproductive performance of 17 women with uterine anomalies who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer (ET). Eight women had a unicornuate uterus, and two a didelphic uterus. Seven women with a subseptate uterus underwent metroplasty before assisted reproduction. Ten (58.8%) out of 17 women achieved 11 (18.0%) pregnancies out of 61 embryo transfers in 55 stimulated cycles. The implantation rate per embryo was 8/83 (9.6%) for women with a unicornuate uterus, one of 17 (5. 9%) for those with didelphic uterus and four of 48 (8.3%) for those with subseptate uterus. Pregnancy rates per embryo transfer were 19. 4, 11.1 and 19.0%, respectively. Three out of 11 pregnancies were ectopic, three were miscarriages and five were full-term deliveries, two sets of twins. Delivery rate per embryo transfer was 5.0% in patients with unicornuate or didephic uterus and 14.3% in women who had a subseptate uterus operated prior to assisted reproduction. Women with uterine anomalies treated by IVF or ICSI had low implantation rates. Pregnancy in a subseptate uterus which has been previously operated had a trend to end more frequently in delivery than that in a unicornuate uterus or in a didelphic uterus.     

Role of three-dimensional ultrasound in diagnosis of uterine anomalies

Congenital uterine anomalies are commonly associated with repeated pregnancy failure, in particular an increased risk of first- and second-trimester miscarriages and preterm delivery. Recent reports on three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) and saline contrast hysterosonography appear promising for diagnosis and classification of uterine anomalies. The ability to visualize both the uterine cavity and the fundal uterine contour on a 3D US scan facilitates the diagnosis of uterine anomalies and enables differentiation between septate and bicornuate uterus. Color Doppler ultrasound allows visualization of intra-septal vascularity and may help in distinguishing avascular from vascularized septa. Less connective tissue in the septum may result in poor decidualization and placentation, while an increased amount of muscle tissue in the septum can cause miscarriage by the production of local uncoordinated muscular contractility. Hysteroscopic septum excision is an effective procedure which significantly improves life-birth rates. Because of its simplicity, minimal invasiveness, and low cost, a more liberal approach to the treatment of uterine anomalies is advocated.     

Transvaginal ultrasonography of the cervix to predict preterm birth in women with uterine anomalies

OBJECTIVE: Women with uterine anomalies have higher rates of preterm birth, but the reason for this has not been elucidated. Transvaginal ultrasound examination has been shown to be an accurate test for the prediction of preterm birth but has not been studied specifically in this population. METHODS: Pregnant women with uterine anomalies were followed prospectively with transvaginal ultrasound examination of the cervix, performed between 14 and 23 6/7 weeks of gestation. A short cervical length was defined as less than 25 mm of cervical length. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth, defined as birth at less than 35 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 64 pregnancies available for analysis, there were 28 with a bicornuate uterus, 13 with a septate uterus, 11 with a uterine didelphys, and 12 with a unicornuate uterus. The overall incidence of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 35 weeks was 11%. Of the 10 (16%) women with a short cervical length, 5 (50%) had spontaneous preterm birth. Of the 54 women without a short cervical length, only 2 (4%) had a spontaneous preterm birth. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a short cervical length for spontaneous preterm birth were 71%, 91%, 50%, and 96%, respectively (relative risk 13.5, 95% confidence interval 3.49-54.74). Of the 7 women with both short cervical length and preterm birth, all uterine subtypes were represented except septate uterus. CONCLUSION: A short cervical length on transvaginal ultrasonography in women with uterine anomalies has a 13-fold risk for preterm birth. Unicornuate uterus had the highest rate of cervical shortening and preterm delivery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.     

Anatomische Ursachen habitueller Aborte

Recurrent miscarriage can be caused by multiple factors. This review focuses on uterine conditions responsible for recurrent miscarriage. Such anomalies can be either congenital or acquired. Among the former are septate, bicornuate, and unicornuate uterus and uterus didelphys, whereas arcuate uterus does not seem to be responsible for miscarriage. Acquired uterine malformations include intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps, and myomas. Some of these malformations can be treated surgically, improving the prognosis for future pregnancies in patients with histories of recurrent abortion.     

子宫畸形合并妊娠母儿妊娠结局临床分析

目的探讨妊娠合并子宫畸形对于母儿妊娠结局的影响。方法选取北京大学人民医院收治的妊娠合并子宫畸形患者108例,并以372例正常子宫妊娠患者作为对照,对其临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果①在29245例分娩的病例中,妊娠合并子宫畸形共108例,发生率约为0.4%。其中以子宫纵膈最为常见,占49.1%,其次为双子宫,占21.3%;②子宫畸形合并妊娠的患者中,胎位异常发生率（46.3%）及剖宫产率（73.2%）均显著升高;③子宫畸形组的平均孕周（37.2周）,新生儿平均出生体重（2873g）显著低于对照组,而早产率（24.1%）及足月低体重儿发生率（6.5%）均显著高于对照组;④纵膈子宫、单角子宫（83.3%合并残角子宫）、双角子宫、及双子宫在终止妊娠方式上存在差异,剖宫产率在纵膈子宫为最低（64.2%）。各组在早产率、孕周、胎儿体重方面差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论子宫畸形对于妊娠结局可产生不良影响,临床医生应加强孕前及孕期管理。     

Chorioamnionitis and mid-trimester pregnancy loss

Mid-trimester pregnancy loss defined as miscarriage at 14-23 weeks' gestation and preterm birth between 24 and 28 weeks are in essence clinical manifestations of the same disease process. The pathogenic and socio-biologic risk factors are the same, but the timing of onset of uterine activity and cervical dilatation may be delayed in the case of preterm birth. The overwhelming majority of cases are associated with ascending infection from the lower genital tract. Women with a prior history of late miscarriage are at increased risk of preterm delivery and vice versa. The risk of preterm delivery in women with prior mid-trimester pregnancy loss approximates the same recurrence risk documented for women with a previous history of preterm delivery, suggesting that mid-trimester miscarriage represents the lower end of the spectrum of preterm birth. There are many causes of mid-trimester pregnancy loss including abnormal placentation, immunological interactions, thrombophilias, cervical insufficiency and upper genital tract anomalies to name a few. This paper, however, will focus on the role of chorioamnionitis in the pathogenesis of mid-trimester pregnancy loss and the value of current interventions to reduce recurrence.     

Atrapamiento de cabeza fetal en útero septo

Septate uterus, which occurs in approximately 1% of fertile women, is considered the most common uterine anomaly but is associated with the poorest reproductive results. Uterine anomalies are especially associated with difficulty in maintaining a pregnancy to full term, often leading to late miscarriage or preterm delivery. We present a case of fetal microcephaly in a woman with septate uterus as a consequence of trapping of the fetal head between the septum and one of the uterine walls.     

Hysteroscopy in the evaluation of habitual abortions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of structural uterine anomalies (SUAs) in women with habitual abortion (HA) as diagnosed by means of hysteroscopy and to study hysteroscopy's therapeutic potential with regard to that pathology. METHODS: Forty-eight women with more than three consecutive pregnancy losses which occurred prior to the 20th week were included and hysteroscopy was performed on all of them. RESULTS: Twenty-five women (52%) had a normal hysteroscopy. The remaining 23 women (48%) presented SUAs: nine patients (19%) had intrauterine adhesions, four (8%) had submucous myomas, two (4%) had polyps and eight (17%) had congenital structural uterine anomalies (five cases of septate uterus and three of bicornuate uterus). Patients with abnormal hysteroscopy underwent appropriate therapy, when applicable. In the SUA group, 18 patients (78%) achieved a successful pregnancy, and five patients (22%) had another miscarriage. In the normal hysteroscopy group, eight patients (32%) achieved a successful pregnancy without additional treatment, 15 patients (60%) had recurrent miscarriages, and two patients (8%) had persistent secondary infertility. CONCLUSIONS: SUAs were detected in nearly half of the patients with HA. After appropriate treatment when applicable, 78% of patients with SUAs achieved a successful ongoing pregnancy. Hysteroscopy has much to offer in the diagnosis and treatment of SUAs.     

Congenital Uterine Anomalies and Uterine Rupture

Congenital uterine anomalies are more common than previously recognized. While many women will have no symptoms or problems, some women with congenital uterine anomalies have increased risks of adverse outcomes during pregnancy. This article presents a case study of a woman with a congenital uterine anomaly leading to spontaneous rupture of her unscarred uterus remote from term. The most common types of congenital uterine anomalies and their associated reproductive risks are reviewed. Evaluation of congenital uterine anomalies and management alternatives are discussed.     

Uterine anomalies. A retrospective, matched-control study

The obstetric risk associated with congenital uterine malformations was studied in a group of 67 women who had undergone hysterosalpingography (HSG) during an eight-year period. HSG was performed to investigate primary (21% of the cases) and secondary (19%) infertility (group 1) or recurrent early fetal loss (60%) (group 2). The study group was compared with a random control group of 130 patients with HSG-proven normal uteri, matched for the presenting symptom. Prematurity and intrauterine fetal death were found to be significantly more common (P less than .05) for women in group 1 with uterine anomalies. The mean birth weight for preterm infants (less than 37 weeks) was significantly lower (P less than .01) for women with malformed uteri. The incidence of antepartum bleeding during pregnancy (P less than .01), breech presentation and cesarean section (P less than .001) was significantly higher for the study group. Premature rupture of the membranes was diagnosed more frequently (P less than .05) only in group 1. Patients with congenital uterine anomalies are a high-risk obstetric group. Primary infertility may be a more common presenting complaint in women with uterine anomalies than previously recognized.