Archives of Gynaecology and Women Health

Abstract

Hematocolpos is a rare condition in which the vagina fills with menstrual blood, but this blood cannot drain normally outside the body. The main cause of this condition is usually an abnormal vaginal membrane or septum that partially or completely blocks the exit from the vagina. Diagnosis is based on a thorough gynecological examination, ultrasound and, in the most complex cases, MRI. Early management is essential to avoid complications of vaginal stenosis. We report the case of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with hematocolpos and a hymenal imperforation, who underwent curettage of the septum with evacuation of the hematocolpos. Post-operative follow-up was favorable.

Introduction

Hematocolpos in adolescents is a rare condition that manifests itself as a distended, blood-filled vagina due to the accumulation of menstrual products caused by uterovaginal abnormalities. The main symptoms at menarche are periodic abdominal pain and primary amenorrhea. Hematometra is a term used to describe the distended, blood-filled uterus caused by extreme accumulation of menstrual products. The main causes of hematocolpos are imperforate hymen, vaginal atresia and complete vaginal septum (1,2). Diagnosis of a vaginal septum is based on a thorough clinical gynecological examination and, above all, on abdominal or transrectal ultrasound, or even transperineal ultrasound and, in more complex cases, MRI. Treatment is surgical and should be carried out as early as possible, as treatment after puberty is associated with a high rate of vaginal stenosis (3).

Case report

This is a 13-year-old patient from a non-consanguineous marriage, with no particular pathological history, menarche at the age of 12, presenting with increasingly incapacitating cyclical pelvic pain with no cycle, urinary or digestive disorders. Clinical examination: normally perforated annular hymen. Pelvic ultrasound showed haematometry (figure 1). On pelvic MRI, blind hemivagina with compressive left hematocolpos over a probable left vulvo-vaginal septum or imperforation (figure 2).

The patient underwent evacuation of the hematocolpos with curettage of the vaginal septum (figures 3). Post-op (figures 4 and 6)

Fig 1: sagittal ultrasound section of a hematocolpos with upstream hematometry

Fig 2: MRI image of compressive hematocolpos with blind hemivagina

Figu 3: Intraoperative perineal view, evacuation of the hematocolpos and cure of the vaginal septum.

Fig 4: post operative evolution

Discussion

Imperforate hymen is the most common obstructive congenital anomaly of the female genital tract, with an incidence of between 0.01% and 0.05% in newborns (4,5). The effect of maternal estrogen secretion during the prenatal or postnatal period can lead to the secretion of mucus by the cervical glands (6). Imperforate hymen, transverse vaginal septum and vaginal atresia with or without a persistent urogenital cloacal sinus are common causes of secretory hydrometrocolpos (7). Hymenal perforation usually occurs during fetal life or the perinatal period (9), but cases of spontaneous hymen rupture have been reported during adolescence (10). The clinical presentation of imperforate hymen is varied, ranging from incidental finding, lower midline abdominal mass with or without prominent hymen, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, acute renal failure, constipation, acute abdomen with paralytic ileus, primary amenorrhea/cyclic abdominal pain and respiratory distress (11). Pelvic, transperitoneal or transrectal ultrasound, if necessary, is used for diagnosis, usually describing a large cystic mass in the pelvis, compressing and displacing the bladder. According to Nussbaum et al (12), the role of ultrasound in such cases includes: defining the nature and complexity of the lesion, including a bulging hymen, detecting associated renal or uterine anomalies, detecting the upper level and length of the obstruction, and the presence and patency of the cervix. CT or MRI may be used for diagnosis, particularly in cases where the transverse vaginal septum is high (13). Rarity, variable presentation and lack of awareness on the part of physicians can lead to delayed diagnosis or unnecessary abdominal exploration (14). Early detection and treatment of obstructive

genital anomalies could lead to 100% reversal of endometriosis. This would, of course, reduce long-term morbidity such as dysmenorrhea and infertility. During the follow-up period of our patients, no endometriosis symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, dyspnea or infertility were reported (15). Standard treatment is surgical hymenectomy with T, X, plus or cruciform incisions and removal of excess hymenal tissue (16). Acar et al (17) reported an incision and placement of a Foley catheter to be left in situ for 2 weeks with topical estrogen cream after a single dose of prophylactic ceftriaxone. In their series, an annular hymen formed and defloration was observed in all patients.

Conclusion

Hematocolpos and vaginal septum are rare medical conditions that can affect women's well-being and reproductive health. By understanding the possible causes, symptoms and treatment options of these conditions, healthcare professionals can provide appropriate support to affected patients. It is essential to consult a doctor in the event of symptoms such as abdominal pain, menstrual difficulties or pain during intercourse, in order to benefit from an accurate diagnosis and a suitable treatment plan. With proper medical management, most women with hematocolpos and vaginal septum can lead healthy, fulfilling lives (18).

Conflict of interest

No conflict of interest

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