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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Bicornuate and Septate Uterus?

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A bicornuate uterus and a septate uterus are both congenital uterine anomalies that can impact a woman's reproductive health. The main differences between them include their appearance, cause, and management:

  1. Appearance: A bicornuate uterus is a result of partial fusion of the Müllerian ducts, resulting in a heart-shaped uterus instead of a pear shape. In contrast, a septate uterus is characterized by a septum (a wall of tissue) separating the uterine cavity into two parts.
  2. Cause: Bicornuate uterus occurs when there is incomplete fusion of the Müllerian ducts, while septate uterus is a result of incomplete resorption of the Müllerian ducts.
  3. Management: The distinction between a septate uterus and a bicornuate uterus is crucial for management and treatment. In a septate uterus, the septum can be removed through hysteroscopy (a procedure called metroplasty) to form a single uterine cavity. This has been shown to improve reproductive outcomes. On the other hand, bicornuate uterus management may involve stitching up the cervix during pregnancy or, in some cases, surgical unification of the uterus. However, surgical procedures for bicornuate uterus are no longer recommended by experts due to their potential risks and the good pregnancy outcomes with cervical stitching.

Accurate diagnosis of these anomalies is essential for proper management and treatment. Imaging techniques such as transvaginal ultrasonography, hysterosalpingography (HSG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help differentiate between bicornuate and septate uterus.

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  • What is the Difference Between Bicornuate and Septate Uterus?
  • Comparative Table: Bicornuate vs Septate Uterus

    • Comparative Table: Bicornuate vs Septate Uterus

    Bicornuate and septate uterus are two types of uterine malformations that occur due to abnormal development of the Mullerian ducts during embryogenesis. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:

    Feature Bicornuate Uterus Septate Uterus
    Definition A bicornuate uterus is a malformation where the uterus is divided into two separate parts. A septate uterus is a malformation where a thin tissue known as a septum runs down the middle of the uterus, dividing it into two separate parts.
    Occurrence Bicornuate uterus occurs due to Mullerian duct anomaly. Septate uterus occurs due to Mullerian duct anomaly.
    Appearance The bicornuate uterus has an external contour with an indented appearance at the fundus. The septate uterus has an external contour with a smooth appearance at the fundus.
    Frequency Bicornuate uterus is less common than septate uterus. Septate uterus is the most common of all uterine anomalies, accounting for about 35% of all uterine anomalies.
    Fertility and Pregnancy Complications Both bicornuate and septate uterus can be associated with complications such as recurrent miscarriages, preterm delivery, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

    Diagnosis of both bicornuate and septate uterus can be made using a 3D ultrasound, which is considered the best modality for detecting these malformations. Treatment options for septate uterus, such as hysteroscopic metroplasty, have been shown to improve reproductive outcomes in women with recurrent miscarriages.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.