Prenatal hydrocolpos: imaging findings and differential diagnosis.

Prenatal hydrocolpos is characterized by fluid distension of the vagina. Hydrocolpos can be caused by multiple underlying etiologies and often demonstrates overlapping imaging features compared to other cystic abdominal and pelvic lesions. The purpose of the current pictorial essay is to provide a systematic prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to differentiating the primary etiologies leading to hydrocolpos. After discussing the fundamental embryological processes involved in vaginal development, the current essay discusses the most common causes of hydrocolpos with their associated prenatal and postnatal imaging features. An approach to distinguishing the more common differential diagnoses is provided. Given the implications of parental counseling and postnatal management, this essay provides an important approach for narrowing differential diagnoses based on prenatal imaging.

Hydrometrocolpos: a Contemporary Review of the Last 5 Years.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of hydrometrocolpos, covering disease etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic and management techniques, and known outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS: This narrative review presents the literature on hydrometrocolpos in the pediatric population from the past 5 years. We highlight the 69 reported cases of hydrometrocolpos and classify them based on type of obstruction or associated anomaly, discuss new diagnostic algorithms based on imaging, and present novel and underutilized surgical techniques for definitive management. Hydrometrocolpos, a condition characterized by retained fluid causing a distended vagina and uterus in the setting of a distal vaginal outflow obstruction, has a wide range of presentation severity based on the type of obstruction. Whether hydrometrocolpos is due to an isolated condition like imperforate hymen, a complex abnormality like cloacal malformation, or a part of a large congenital syndrome, the mainstay of treatment is decompression of the dilated vagina and surgical correction of the outflow obstruction. Imaging-based diagnostic algorithms and new treatment techniques reported in the literature, as well as longitudinal and patient-reported outcome research, can improve the lives of children affected by this condition.

Hydrometrocolpos: antenatal diagnosis and postnatal management.

Hydrometrocolpos is a rare finding in newborns. It can be an isolated finding or may be associated with syndromes. Antenatal diagnosis is possible. It is due to the accumulation of secretion in the uterus, distending it and resulting in abdominal swelling. In case of suspected syndromes, an attempt should be made to look for other organ involvement and genetic diagnosis. We here report a term neonate with hydrometrocolpos, which was antenatally diagnosed and was managed conservatively.

Prenatal Rupture of Hydrocolpos in a Cloacal Malformation.

INTRODUCTION: Cloacal dysgenesis occurs from failure of embryological division of urogenital sinus and hindgut, leading to a single common perineal opening for genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts. The prenatal diagnosis of cloacal malformation is imprecise, but the clinical correlation of postnatal findings to prenatal history can help reveal explanations for unusual pathological findings in patients with urogenital abnormalities. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old woman was referred after her 20-week ultrasound demonstrated anhydramnios and concern for dilated fetal bowel. Fetal MRI confirmed anhydramnios and a dilated fetal colon, in addition to hydronephrosis and a pelvic cyst. Repeat ultrasound at 27 weeks showed unexpected complete resolution of her anhydramnios but new fetal ascites. The newborn girl was postnatally diagnosed with a cloacal malformation and an unusual near-complete fusion of her labia. She underwent proximal sigmoid colostomy and a tube vaginostomy at birth followed by cloacal reconstruction at 1.5 years old. CONCLUSION: In female fetus with a pelvic cyst, one should have a high index of suspicion for cloacal anomaly and consider the possibility of urinary obstruction leading to alteration in amniotic fluid.

Characteristics of fetal physiological and pathological uterine effusion observed on prenatal ultrasonography: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The prenatal detection rate of fetal uterine effusion is very low, and current case reports mainly focus on pathological hydrometrocolpos. We presented two cases of fetal physiological uterine effusion with different ultrasonic characteristics and compared them with one case of hydrometrocolpos with the hope of identifying strategies to reduce misdiagnosis of fetal uterine effusion. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper reports the cases of two female fetuses with abnormal pelvic echoes in the third trimester, referred to a tertiary center to be screened for suspected pelvic teratoma and cystic mass, respectively. Ultrasound consultation revealed fetal uterine effusion. The two fetuses were delivered at our hospital after a full term. Re-examining the uterus and adnexa of the neonates revealed that the uterine effusion had subsided naturally. Another female fetus had a large cystic mass in the pelvic cavity in the third trimester, and prenatal examination indicated fetal hydrometrocolpos. The fetus was delivered at our hospital after a full term. The hydrometrocolpos existed even after birth. After consultation with a neonatal surgeon and gynecologist, the newborn was diagnosed with congenital imperforate hymen with hydrometrocolpos. Hymen puncture and open drainage led to a good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal ultrasonography plays an important role in diagnosing and differentiating between physiological and pathological fetal uterine effusion. It can help reduce misdiagnoses that can lead to incorrect clinical decisions.

Neonatal hydrocolpos presenting as a rapidly progressive abdominal mass with inferior caval vein syndrome.

A 7-week-old infant was presented at the emergency department with an abdominal mass, unilateral swelling of the groin and suspicion of an inferior caval vein syndrome with bluish discolouration and oedema of the lower extremities. Abdominal imaging showed two large cysts and profound bilateral hydronephrosis. Following laparotomy, an extreme hydrocolpos and an overdistended urinary bladder were found. These findings turned out to be secondary to a transverse vaginal septum. She was treated surgically and was hospitalised for 2 weeks. Long-term follow-up showed normalisation of previously present hypercalciuria and hydronephrosis.A hydro(metro)colpos should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a female infant presenting with an abdominal mass, to apply the appropriate investigations and therapy.

An Alternative Approach to Single-Stage Cloaca Repair: Image-Guided Anorectoplasty with Delayed Vaginoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Cloacal anomalies occur when a fetus's rectum, vagina, and urethra fail to separate and result in 1 common channel at birth. They are commonly managed by complex reconstruction in the first year of life. This manuscript presents an alternative approach to management in patients with absent or nondilated Mullerian structures. CASE: Image-guided, combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (CELS) was used to perform an anorectal pull-through at 5 months of age on a patient with persistent cloaca and no definite vaginal or uterine structures seen on MRI and endoscopy. Urogenital reconstruction is delayed until adolescence. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that performing a minimally invasive anorectoplasty on patients with complicated anatomy and low risk for hydrocolpos could potentially result in improved urologic function and better psychosocial outcomes. Delaying vaginoplasty will enable determination of the function of remnant Mullerian structures and allow the patient to direct the augmentation approach.

Bedside Intervention for Neonatal Hydrometrocolpos and Imperforate Hymen.

Low complexity cases of neonatal hydrometrocolpos from imperforate hymen are typically treated with hymenotomy or hymenectomy. Although this is commonly performed in the operating room, bedside management is also safe and effective. We present a case of prenatally diagnosed, simple hydrometrocolpos treated via bedside hymenotomy on the first day of life. The patient received periprocedural antibiotics prior to the procedure and had full resolution of hydrometrocolpos without any complication or need for further intervention. Early intervention and administration of periprocedural antibiotics allowed for safe management of this condition without the risks and resources of treatment in the operating room.

An approach to giant neonatal hydrocolpos with normally sited anus - Diagnosis and management including a novel one stage operation.

INTRODUCTION: Giant non cloacal neonatal hydrocolpos is a rare entity where early recognition of the underlying cause and drainage of the distended vagina is paramount. Conventionally, immediate management has been by abdominal tube vaginostomy or, in urogenital sinus by vaginal clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC). Though effective in providing temporary relief, the abdominal tube vaginostomy is replete with complications, making it imperative to search for alternatives. Here we describe our method of emergent and definitive management of these children, where definitive repair, depending on the aetiology, has been made possible in a single stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven girls who presented primarily or with history of giant non cloacal neonatal hydrocolpos at two tertiary care centres from January 2013 to March 2021 were studied retrospectively. None had imperforate anus or a bulging hymenal membrane. Four had high vaginal atresia (VA) and three had Urogenital sinus (UGS), one with high confluence. Four girls (2 VA, 2 UGS) presented to us as neonates and were managed by emergency drainage procedures other than tube vaginostomy: CIC in one (low UGS) and a novel abdominoperineal U flap vaginoplasty in three (2 VA, 1 high confluence UGS) which was also the definitive procedure. This procedure involved fashioning an inferiorly based inverted U flap from the posterior wall of distended vagina which is tubularised and flipped down by an abdomino-perineal procedure. The girl with a low UGS later underwent a perineal procedure. Three presented elsewhere as neonates (2 VA, 1 UGS) and had abdominal tube vaginostomy as the emergency drainage procedure. This was complicated by tube dislodgement and pyocolpos till successful reconstruction was performed by us. Successful reconstructions included the abdominoperineal U flap vaginoplasty in one (VA) and a perineal procedure in another (low UGS). One girl with high VA had an inflamed vagina after tube vaginostomy, precluding the U flap vaginoplasty, and underwent abdominal vaginal mobilisation and pull through complicated by partial vaginal necrosis with septic complications. RESULTS: Reconstruction resulted in a patent and a good calibre neo-vagina in all at a mean follow up of 48 months. CONCLUSION: Immediate management of giant non cloacal neonatal hydrocolpos may either be vaginal CIC or a surgical procedure. The abdomino-perineal U flap vaginoplasty is a one stage neonatal procedure that provides effective drainage and forms a definitive neo-vagina. An abdominal tube vaginostomy can be avoided except where neonatal surgical expertise is unavailable.

Treatment of a Congenital Imperforate Vestibulovaginal Junction and Secondary Hydrocolpos With Endoscopic Laser Ablation in Two Dogs.

Two dogs were evaluated for clinical signs including dysuria, stranguria, and/or dyschezia. Physical examination findings were consistent with a caudal abdominal and intra-pelvic mass. Imaging with abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a tubular fluid-filled structure. In 1 dog computed tomography identified the fluid-filled structure to be the vagina and hydrocolpos was suspected. Endoscopic evaluation of the urogenital tracts identified imperforate vaginas in both dogs, and endoscopic-guided laser ablation was used to create a vaginal opening into the vestibule. Initial response to treatment was positive in both dogs, although 1 dog developed a recurrence of hydrocolpos 1-month after treatment. Endoscopic laser ablation provided a minimally invasive option for opening an imperforate vagina and no procedural complications occurred. Further evaluation is needed to determine the long-term effectiveness of this procedure.

[Vulvar mass in neonatal period : spot the difference]. / Diagnostic différentiel d'une masse vulvaire en période néonatale.

We report the cases of two female newborns who present, at the first day, a interlabial mass. In both cases, the antenatal scans were normal, and the clinical examination in the delivery room didn't reveal any other abnormality. Similar features may suggest the same diagnosis. However, in the first case, it is a paraurethral cyst which causes the bulging of vaginal introitus whereas, in the second infant, it is an imperforated hymen. Paraurethral cysts are uncommon and even more so among infants. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, and ultrasound confirms the diagnosis and verifies the absence of other associated anomalies. These cysts usually resolve spontaneously. Rarely, they can lead to urinary retention. The second diagnosis, imperforate hymen, is the most common congenital malformation of the female genital tract. It can lead to hydrocolpos with the upstream accumulation of vaginal secretion and sometimes induce a hydrometrocolpos, with vaginal and uterine dilatation. The resulting mass can cause obstruction of surrounding urinary or digestive structures. Surgical management is generally necessary.

Nous rapportons le cas de deux nouveau-nés de sexe féminin qui présentaient une masse au niveau vulvaire, dans les premiers jours de vie. Dans les deux cas, le reste de l'examen clinique était sans particularité et aucune anomalie n'avait été décelée en anténatal. Les présentations cliniques semblables peuvent faire évoquer le même diagnostic. Pourtant, dans le premier cas, c'est un kyste para-urétral qui cause la masse alors que, dans le second, c'est une imperforation de l'hymen. Ces deux pathologies sont peu fréquentes chez les nourrissons. Leur diagnostic est avant tout clinique et l'échographie permet à la fois de confirmer celui-ci et de vérifier l'absence d'autres anomalies. La plupart du temps, les kystes para-urétraux régressent spontanément. Cependant, ils peuvent parfois être la cause d'une rétention urinaire. En cas d'imperforation de l'hymen, la réalisation d'un acte chirurgical est, par contre, nécessaire afin d'éviter des complications plus tardives. Un hydrocolpos peut y être associé, il est dû à la rétention de sécrétions vaginales en amont. La masse engendrée peut provoquer une obstruction des structures avoisinantes.

Congenital anomalies causing hemato/hydrocolpos: imaging findings, treatments, and outcomes.

Hemato/hydrocolpos due to congenital urogenital anomalies are rare conditions discovered in neonatal, infant, and adolescent girls. Diagnosis is often missed or delayed owing to its rare incidence and nonspecific symptoms. If early correct diagnosis and treatment cannot be performed, late complications such as tubal adhesion, pelvic endometriosis, and infertility may develop. Congenital urogenital anomalies causing hemato/hydrocolpos are mainly of four types: imperforate hymen, distal vaginal agenesis, transverse vaginal septum, and obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly, and clinicians should have adequate knowledge about these anomalies. This article aimed to review the diagnosis and treatment of these urogenital anomalies by describing embryology, clinical presentation, imaging findings, surgical management, and postoperative outcomes.

Fetal hydrometrocolpos with pre-axial mirror polydactyly as a new variant of McKusick-Kaufman syndrome.

This report describes a variant of McKusick-Kaufman syndrome presenting with a large fetal abdominal cyst of hydrometrocolpos at 37 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis was based on the ultrasound findings of a large homogeneous hypoechoic cyst (diameter of >10 cm) with incomplete septum, thickened wall, superiorly connecting to the dilated uterus, consistent with hydrometrocolpos. Additionally, pre-axial mirror polydactyly of the left foot was suspected. Postnatal examination/work-up confirmed the prenatal findings. This is the first report of prenatal diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos with complex polydactyly of mirror image pre-axial duplications containing nine toes instead of six-toe postaxial polydactyly.

Rare case of pseudohypoaldosteronism in a neonate secondary to congenital hydrometrocolpos.

Pseudohypoaldosteronism (PHA) due to obstructive uropathy, urinary tract infections and congenital urogenital malformations has been reported in the literature; however, there are no reports of PHA associated with hydrometrocolpos due to a common urogenital tract. Hydrometrocolpos is a condition resulting in distension of the vagina and uterus due to accumulation of secretions (other than blood), caused by increased oestrogenic stimulation and vaginal outflow obstruction. We report on a neonatal case of PHA caused by recurrent hydrometrocolpos presenting with vomiting and poor weight gain. There was significant hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia, and anaemia requiring medical stabilisation prior to surgery. The mechanism by which PHA occurs in obstruction involves renal tubular dysfunction due to pressure from hydronephrosis and the release of intrarenal cytokines. In addition, there is an immature or resistant renal tubular responsiveness to aldosterone during infancy. Clinicians should be aware of this uncommon but serious presentation.

Factors predicting the need for vaginal replacement at the time of primary reconstruction of a cloacal malformation.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients with cloacal malformations requires vaginal replacement during their primary reconstruction, increasing the surgical complexity. Identifying factors which predict the need for vaginal replacement would facilitate operative planning. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent primary cloacal reconstruction at our Center (2014-2018) and assessed the length of the common channel, urethra, and vagina. The presence of hydrocolpos at birth, Müllerian anomalies, sacral ratio, and tethered cord were also assessed between patients who did and did not require vaginal replacement. RESULTS: 50 patients were identified. 17/50 patients (34%) underwent a total urogenital mobilization (TUM), and none required vaginal replacement. 33/50 (66%) patients underwent a urogenital separation. 19/33 (58%) required vaginal replacement. This group had a shorter vagina (4.2 cm vs 6.6 cm, p < 0.01). There was no difference in urethral or common channel length, number of cervices, sacral ratio, presence of a vaginal septum, hydrocolpos, or tethered cord between those who did and those who did not require vaginal replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral and common channel lengths were used to successfully determine the operative plan (TUM or urogenital separation) to reconstruct cloacal malformations. The need for urogenital separation and a shorter vaginal length were predictive of the need for vaginal replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. TYPE OF STUDY: Case series with no comparison groups.

Prenatal and postnatal imaging techniques in the evaluation of disorders of sex development.

Imaging of the reproductive tract is challenging and requires a general knowledge of congenital variations in anatomy. The anatomy of the developing fetus, whether a male phenotype or female phenotype, is also a dynamic process with many changes occurring during gestation. Families may ask details about the genitalia during prenatal imaging and when variations in what is thought to be normal are present, further investigation is sometimes needed to make sense of what is seen. This overview will describe categories of disorders of sex development (DSD), whether chromosomal or structural or both, and the current state of imaging of these anomalies.

Robot-assisted repair of a urogenital sinus with an anorectal malformation in a patient with McKusick-Kaufman syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: A urogenital sinus (US) and an anorectal malformation (ARM) are a rare constellation of anomalies, and the optimal surgical approach is unclear. Open and laparoscopic approaches have been described for US and ARM, but no data exist to support robotic assistance in children. CASE: A 20-month-old Amish female presented to the study center with fever and abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasound showed a large fluid-filled vagina, urinalysis was positive, and she was admitted for antibiotic therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed hydrocolpos. An examination under anesthesia including cystoscopy demonstrated a short perineal body, an anteriorly displaced anus by muscle stimulation, and no vaginal opening. An ultrasound-guided, percutaneous vaginostomy tube was placed, and 650 cc of pus was drained. Vaginal and urine cultures grew similar strains of Escherichias coli. After a course of antibiotics, she underwent a robot-assisted mobilization of the intra-abdominal vagina and uterus, posterior sagittal anorectoplasty, vaginal pull-through, and a diverting colostomy. There were no intra-operative complications. Her Foley catheter was removed on post-operative day #3, and she voided spontaneously and was discharged in good condition. She remained in the hospital for ostomy teaching, but pain control and diet were not barriers to discharge after 12 h. CONCLUSION: Robotic mobilization of the intra-abdominal vagina in a pediatric patient with US and ARM is technically feasible and can be accomplished safely. Further comparative studies to other approaches are lacking. In this case, the robot allowed for good visualization, intra-operative collaboration between multiple specialties for complex patients with aberrant anatomy, and easy dissection in a narrow pre-pubertal pelvis and would be an approach that the study group uses in future cases.

Vaginal reconstruction for distal vaginal atresia without anorectal malformation: is the approach different?

INTRODUCTION: Distal vaginal atresia is a rare condition and treatment approaches are varied, usually driven by symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients with distal vaginal atresia without anorectal malformation. Data collected included age and symptoms at presentation, type and number of operations, and associated anomalies. RESULTS: Eight patients were identified. Four presented at birth with a hydrocolpos and four presented with hematometrocolpos after 12 years of age. Number of operations per patient ranged from one to seven with an average of three. The vaginal reconstruction was achieved by perineal vaginal mobilization in four patients and abdomino-perineal approach in four patients. One patient, with a proximal vagina approximately 7 cm from the perineum, required partial vaginal replacement with colon. In addition, she had hematometrocolpos with an acute inflammation at the time of reconstruction despite menstrual suppression and drainage which may have contributed to the difficulty in mobilizing the vagina. In five patients, distal vaginal atresia was an isolated anomaly. In the other three cases, associated anomalies included: mild hydronephrosis that improved after hydrocolpos decompression (2), cardiac anomaly (2), and vertebral anomaly (1). CONCLUSION: In this series, a distended upper vagina/uterus was a common presentation and the time of reconstruction was driven by the presence of symptoms. Drainage of the hydrocolpos/hydrometrocolpos with menstrual suppression in post-pubertal patients, followed by further work-up, and planned reconstruction is a good surgical strategy.