Bicornuate uterus vs Septate and unicornuate uterus
How to tell Bicornuate uterus and Septate and unicornuate uterus apart when a board question makes them look alike.
Bicornuate has external fundal cleft; septate has internal septum with normal contour; unicornuate has one-sided duct development.
Side by side
Bicornuate uterus results from incomplete Mullerian duct fusion, producing two uterine horns and an external fundal cleft.
Septate uterus results from failed septum resorption with normal external contour; unicornuate uterus results from development of only one Mullerian duct.
Bicornuate uterus results from incomplete Mullerian duct fusion, producing two uterine horns and an external fundal cleft.
Septate uterus results from failed septum resorption with normal external contour; unicornuate uterus results from development of only one Mullerian duct.
The repair move
Before naming the answer, force the stem through the separator: Bicornuate has external fundal cleft; septate has internal septum with normal contour; unicornuate has one-sided duct development.
Try a free question
CoreA 28-year-old woman with recurrent second-trimester pregnancy losses undergoes MRI of the pelvis. Imaging shows a uterus with two divergent horns and an EXTERNAL fundal cleft (indentation in the outer contour) extending into the uterine cavity. The cervix is single. Which Mullerian anomaly is this?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Bicornuate uterus. Bicornuate uterus results from incomplete fusion of the Mullerian ducts. The hallmark is an EXTERNAL fundal cleft (outer contour indentation) with two divergent horns and typically a single cervix. Associated with second-trimester pregnancy loss, preterm labor, and malpresentation. Distinct from septate uterus (which has normal external contour but internal septum).
Why the other choices are tempting
- B. Septate uterus has NORMAL external contour with an internal septum (resorption failure).
- C. Unicornuate uterus has only one developed Mullerian duct, resulting in a banana-shaped uterus with one horn.
- D. Didelphys uterus has complete failure of fusion: two separate uteri, two cervices, often two vaginas.
- E. Arcuate uterus is a minor mild concavity of the uterine fundus, considered a normal variant.
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What clue supports Bicornuate uterus?
Choose Bicornuate uterus when the stem gives this pattern: Bicornuate uterus results from incomplete Mullerian duct fusion, producing two uterine horns and an external fundal cleft.
What clue supports Septate and unicornuate uterus?
Choose Septate and unicornuate uterus when the stem gives this contrasting pattern: Septate uterus results from failed septum resorption with normal external contour; unicornuate uterus results from development of only one Mullerian duct.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Bicornuate uterus from Septate and unicornuate uterus?
Bicornuate has external fundal cleft; septate has internal septum with normal contour; unicornuate has one-sided duct development.
What is the key clue for Bicornuate uterus?
Bicornuate uterus results from incomplete Mullerian duct fusion, producing two uterine horns and an external fundal cleft.
What is the key clue for Septate and unicornuate uterus?
Septate uterus results from failed septum resorption with normal external contour; unicornuate uterus results from development of only one Mullerian duct.