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'''Arcuate uterus''' is a congenital [[uterine anomaly]] characterized by a mild indentation at the top of the [[uterus]]. This condition is considered the least severe form of [[Müllerian duct anomalies]], which are developmental malformations of the [[female reproductive system]]. The arcuate uterus is often discovered incidentally during a pelvic [[ultrasound]] or [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) conducted for other reasons, as it usually does not cause symptoms or interfere with a woman's ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Causes and Diagnosis==
| name            = Arcuate uterus
The arcuate uterus results from incomplete resorption of the uterine septum, which is a normal part of uterine development. During fetal development, the [[Müllerian ducts]] (paramesonephric ducts) are supposed to fuse and then reabsorb at the midline to create a single uterine cavity. When this reabsorption is not fully completed, it leaves a slight indentation at the top of the uterine cavity, resulting in an arcuate uterus.
| image          = [[File:Uterus_arcuatus_27W_-_MR_T2_FS_axial_-_001_-_Annotation.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption        = MRI image of an arcuate uterus
Diagnosis of an arcuate uterus is typically made through imaging studies. A [[hysterosalpingography]] (HSG) can suggest the condition, but transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are more accurate in diagnosing and differentiating an arcuate uterus from other uterine anomalies.
| field          = [[Obstetrics]] and [[Gynecology]]
 
| synonyms        = Uterus arcuatus
==Symptoms and Complications==
| symptoms        = Often asymptomatic, but may include [[recurrent miscarriage]]
Most women with an arcuate uterus are asymptomatic and do not experience any adverse reproductive outcomes. However, there is some debate in the medical literature about whether the condition is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or other pregnancy complications. The consensus is that if there are reproductive issues, they are likely to be less severe than those associated with other Müllerian duct anomalies.
| complications  = [[Infertility]], [[miscarriage]]
 
| onset          = Congenital
| duration        = Lifelong
| causes          = [[Müllerian duct]] anomaly
| risks          = [[Pregnancy complications]]
| diagnosis      = [[Ultrasound]], [[MRI]]
| differential    = [[Septate uterus]], [[Bicornuate uterus]]
| treatment      = Usually none required, [[surgical intervention]] if symptomatic
| prognosis      = Generally good
| frequency      = Common
}}
{{Short description|A type of uterine anomaly}}
==Arcuate Uterus==
An '''arcuate uterus''' is a type of [[congenital uterine anomaly]] characterized by a slight indentation at the top of the uterine cavity. It is considered a mild form of a [[septate uterus]], where the indentation is not as pronounced as in other uterine anomalies. The arcuate uterus is the most common type of uterine anomaly and is often asymptomatic.
[[File:Uterus_arcuatus_27W_-_MR_T2_FS_axial_-_001_-_Annotation.jpg|Arcuate uterus MRI axial view|left|thumb]]
==Anatomy and Classification==
The arcuate uterus is classified as a Class VI anomaly according to the [[American Society for Reproductive Medicine]] (ASRM) classification system. It is characterized by a broad, smooth indentation at the fundus of the uterus, which is less than 1 cm deep. Unlike a [[bicornuate uterus]], the external contour of the uterus is normal, and the indentation does not extend into the [[endometrial cavity]].
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of an arcuate uterus is typically made using imaging techniques such as [[ultrasound]], [[hysterosalpingography]], or [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI). MRI is particularly useful for distinguishing between different types of uterine anomalies. The arcuate uterus is often identified incidentally during evaluations for other conditions.
[[File:Pelvic_MRI_06_14_arcuate_uterus.jpg|Pelvic MRI showing arcuate uterus|left|thumb]]
==Clinical Significance==
The arcuate uterus is generally considered to have minimal impact on [[fertility]] and pregnancy outcomes. Most women with an arcuate uterus have normal reproductive outcomes, although some studies suggest a slight increase in the risk of [[miscarriage]] or [[preterm birth]]. However, these risks are significantly lower compared to other uterine anomalies such as the septate or bicornuate uterus.
==Management==
==Management==
In most cases, no treatment is necessary for an arcuate uterus. Women with this condition usually have normal fertility and can expect to have normal pregnancies. In the rare instances where pregnancy complications are suspected to be related to the arcuate uterus, surgical correction is not typically recommended due to the minimal nature of the indentation and the potential risks of surgery.
In most cases, no treatment is necessary for an arcuate uterus, as it does not typically cause symptoms or complications. If reproductive issues are present, they are often addressed with standard fertility treatments rather than surgical correction of the uterine anomaly.
 
[[File:Comparasion_of_results_from_Gorlin_Agarwal-Okpara-Bao_and_Clinical_data.JPG|Comparison of results from Gorlin, Agarwal-Okpara-Bao, and clinical data|left|thumb]]
==Reproductive Outcomes==
==See also==
Research on the reproductive outcomes of women with an arcuate uterus has produced mixed results. Some studies suggest a slightly increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labor, while others have found no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes between women with an arcuate uterus and those with a normal uterine shape. It is important for women with this condition to receive individualized care and monitoring during pregnancy, tailored to their specific health needs and history.
* [[Uterine anomaly]]
 
* [[Septate uterus]]
==Conclusion==
* [[Bicornuate uterus]]
The arcuate uterus is a common and generally benign uterine anomaly. While it may be associated with a slightly increased risk of certain pregnancy complications, most women with this condition will have normal fertility and pregnancy outcomes. As with any congenital anomaly, individuals diagnosed with an arcuate uterus should consult with a healthcare provider to understand their specific situation and any potential implications for their reproductive health.
* [[Müllerian duct anomalies]]
 
[[Category:Congenital disorders of female genital organs]]
[[Category:Gynecology]]
[[Category:Uterine malformations]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Reproductive system]]
 
{{Gynecology-stub}}
{{Congenital-birth-defect-stub}}

Latest revision as of 17:00, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Arcuate uterus
Synonyms Uterus arcuatus
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Often asymptomatic, but may include recurrent miscarriage
Complications Infertility, miscarriage
Onset Congenital
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Müllerian duct anomaly
Risks Pregnancy complications
Diagnosis Ultrasound, MRI
Differential diagnosis Septate uterus, Bicornuate uterus
Prevention N/A
Treatment Usually none required, surgical intervention if symptomatic
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


A type of uterine anomaly


Arcuate Uterus[edit]

An arcuate uterus is a type of congenital uterine anomaly characterized by a slight indentation at the top of the uterine cavity. It is considered a mild form of a septate uterus, where the indentation is not as pronounced as in other uterine anomalies. The arcuate uterus is the most common type of uterine anomaly and is often asymptomatic.

Arcuate uterus MRI axial view

Anatomy and Classification[edit]

The arcuate uterus is classified as a Class VI anomaly according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification system. It is characterized by a broad, smooth indentation at the fundus of the uterus, which is less than 1 cm deep. Unlike a bicornuate uterus, the external contour of the uterus is normal, and the indentation does not extend into the endometrial cavity.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of an arcuate uterus is typically made using imaging techniques such as ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is particularly useful for distinguishing between different types of uterine anomalies. The arcuate uterus is often identified incidentally during evaluations for other conditions.

Pelvic MRI showing arcuate uterus

Clinical Significance[edit]

The arcuate uterus is generally considered to have minimal impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Most women with an arcuate uterus have normal reproductive outcomes, although some studies suggest a slight increase in the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. However, these risks are significantly lower compared to other uterine anomalies such as the septate or bicornuate uterus.

Management[edit]

In most cases, no treatment is necessary for an arcuate uterus, as it does not typically cause symptoms or complications. If reproductive issues are present, they are often addressed with standard fertility treatments rather than surgical correction of the uterine anomaly.

Comparison of results from Gorlin, Agarwal-Okpara-Bao, and clinical data

See also[edit]

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