Hysteroscopically detected asymptomatic müllerian anomalies. Prevalence and reproductive implications

To assess the prevalence of uterine anomalies and relative reproductive function in 322 women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) evaluated by diagnostic hysteroscopy.

Uterine contours were classified as septate/bicornuate, arcuate or normal on the basis of hysteroscopy. A complete medical history was obtained from all the subjects; it included a questionnaire on menstrual characteristics, reproductive history and pregnancy outcome. Cumulative birth rates, frequency of spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, malpresentation and mode of delivery in patients with normal and abnormal uteri were compared using life table analysis, the log-rank test and chi 2 analysis.

Arcuate, septate/bicornuate and unicornuate uteri were observed in 6.5%, 3.7% and 0.3% of women, respectively. Although 24-month pregnancy rates and monthly fecundability rates were similar in women with and without müllerian anomalies, the 36-month cumulative live birth rate was significantly lower in women with a septate/bicornuate uterus. Overall, women with uterine malformations showed a significantly higher miscarriage rate (P < .05) and a significantly lower term delivery rate (P < .05) than women with a normal-shaped uterus.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy in women with AUB detected a 10% prevalence of uterine anomalies, which were associated with a significantly higher incidence of spontaneous abortion and lower cumulative live birth rates.