Anatomic uterine defects

Congenital or acquired uterine defects remain important considerations in the investigation of recurrent pregnancy loss. When repeated first or second trimester losses, preterm delivery, or abnormal fetal presentations are documented, the suspicion of a structural uterine abnormality should be high. The diagnosis of uterine defects is no longer elusive. The combination of radiologic imaging techniques, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy enables an accurate diagnosis in nearly every case. The optimal treatment for uterine malformations is still a matter of considerable controversy. Therefore, when a uterine defect is diagnosed, tough clinical decisions must be made. When alternate causes of pregnancy loss are excluded, pregnancy potential will depend primarily on the specific type of uterine anomaly that is detected. It is important to recognize that not all uterine defects are amenable to therapy, but in carefully selected patients, reparative surgery may be rewarding.