Mullerian and vaginal anomalies

Haley Etskovitz1, Prathima Nandivada, Belinda Hsi Dickie

  • 1Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center, Department of Pediatric General Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

PubMed

Insights

This review offers a guide for managing pediatric Mullerian and vaginal anomalies, emphasizing updated, patient-centered care approaches for these complex conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gynecology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Mullerian and vaginal anomalies are congenital conditions affecting female reproductive development.
  • These anomalies can range in severity and may be associated with other congenital defects, such as anorectal malformations.
  • Understanding the embryological basis is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To serve as a comprehensive resource for clinicians managing pediatric patients with Mullerian and vaginal anomalies.
  • To highlight recent advancements and changes in the clinical practice for these conditions.
  • To provide an updated approach to the diagnosis and management of these complex anomalies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on Mullerian and vaginal anomalies.
  • Synthesis of recent changes in surgical and clinical management strategies.
  • Focus on an integrated approach for isolated and associated anomalies.

Main Results:

  • Provides a foundational understanding of the anatomy, presentation, and diagnostic workup.
  • Details management strategies for isolated anomalies and those co-occurring with anorectal malformations.
  • Discusses the evolution of neovaginal reconstruction, emphasizing patient-centered care.

Conclusions:

  • Offers a current overview of the understanding and management of pediatric Mullerian and vaginal anomalies.
  • Highlights the importance of a patient-directed approach in neovaginal reconstruction.
  • Aims to improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus01:15

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the...
570
Nondisjunction01:21

Nondisjunction

Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate correctly and move to the opposite poles of the cells. This produces daughter cells with abnormal chromosome numbers.  Nondisjunction is common during anaphase I or anaphase II of meiosis.  Mutations in synaptonemal complex proteins that attach homologous chromosomes increase the chances of nondisjunction in anaphase I of meiosis I. In contrast, mutations in topoisomerases and condensins that hold...
3.7K
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness02:19

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....
6.5K
Oogenesis02:07

Oogenesis

In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
63.4K
Meiosis vs. Mitosis02:57

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
53.0K
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System01:24

Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
329