| OHVIRA | |
|---|---|
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| (a) Coronal Single shot T2W image shows absence of the right kidney. The distended hemivagina (asterisk) is seen on the right side and the normal collapsed left hemivagina with minimal fluid is seen adjacent to it (black arrow). The distended hemivagina ends above the introitus and its contents are hypointense to fat. (b) Coronal Single shot T2W image shows right and left uterine horns (white arrows). The right uterine horn cavity is seen to communicate with the upper end of the fluid collection in right hemivagina (small black arrow). |
Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome, also known as OHVIRA (obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly) is an extremely rare syndrome characterized by a congenital birth defect of the lower abdominal and pelvic organs. It is a type of abnormality of the Müllerian ducts.
In most cases, OHVIRA presents as a double uterus with unilateral obstructed (or blind) hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (or renal anomalies). It can also affect the urethra, urethral sphincter, ureters, bladder and spleen.
Although the true incidence is unknown, it has been reported to be between 0.1% and 3%.
Symptoms
Although there are no specific symptoms for this condition, common complains include progressively increasing pelvic pain during menstruation and hematocolpos due to the buildup of blood in the body. Other symptoms may include swelling of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting during menstruation, and pelvic pain. Fertility may also be affected.
The condition often leads to an increased need for C-sections due to the smaller uteruses.
Diagnosis
The condition is often diagnosed through an MRI or ultrasound. Consulting a specialist (in this case a gynecologist) is recommended.
Treatment
Symptoms can be ameliorated with medication and surgery. In most cases, the blind hemi-vagina is opened, and the fluid drained. In adolescents particularly, vaginoscopic incision of the oblique vaginal septum is a viable option.
Pregnancies in women with OHVIRA are categorized as high-risk due to the size and shape of the uteri and cervices as well as the reduced kidney function. In addition, women with undiagnosed OHVIRA can experience genital bleeding during pregnancy and may require hospitalization. Expectant mothers are often managed with cervical sutures and C-sections to prevent fetal distress during labour.
References
- Mandava, Anitha; Prabhakar, R. R.; Smitha, S. (2012-04-01). "OHVIRA syndrome (obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly) with uterus didelphys, an unusual presentation". Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 25 (2): e23–25. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2011.11.004. ISSN 1873-4332. PMID 22421561.
- Aveiro, Ana Cristina; Miranda, Victor; Cabral, António Jorge; Nunes, Sidónia; Paulo, Filomeno; Freitas, Conceição (2011-07-15). "Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome: a rare cause of pelvic pain in adolescent girls". BMJ Case Reports. 2011: bcr0420114147. doi:10.1136/bcr.04.2011.4147. ISSN 1757-790X. PMC 3139160. PMID 22689557.
- Tug, Niyazi; Sargin, Mehmet Akif; Çelik, Ayhan; Alp, Turgut; Yenidede, Ilter (2017-01-07). "Treatment of Virgin OHVIRA Syndrome with Haematometrocolpos by Complete Incision of Vaginal Septum without Hymenotomy". Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 9 (11): QD15–QD16. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/15532.6826. ISSN 2249-782X. PMC 4668488. PMID 26676254.
- Cheng, Chunxia; Subedi, Jigyasa; Zhang, Aiqian; Johnson, Grace; Zhao, Xingping; Xu, Dabao; Guan, Xiaoming (2019-12-27). "Vaginoscopic Incision of Oblique Vaginal Septum in Adolescents with OHVIRA Syndrome". Scientific Reports. 9 (1): 20042. Bibcode:2019NatSR...920042C. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-56471-2. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 6934495. PMID 31882725.
- Muraoka, Ayako; Tsuda, Hiroyuki; Kotani, Tomomi; Kikkawa, Fumitaka (May 2016). "Severe Hemoperitoneum During Pregnancy with Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly Syndrome: A Case Report". The Journal of Reproductive Medicine. 61 (5–6): 290–294. ISSN 0024-7758. PMID 27424375.