Arcuate uterus: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Arcuate uterus
| image          = [[File:Uterus_arcuatus_27W_-_MR_T2_FS_axial_-_001_-_Annotation.jpg|250px]]
| caption        = MRI image of an arcuate uterus
| field          = [[Obstetrics]] and [[Gynecology]]
| synonyms        = Uterus arcuatus
| symptoms        = Often asymptomatic, but may include [[recurrent miscarriage]]
| 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}}
{{Short description|A type of uterine anomaly}}
==Arcuate Uterus==
==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.
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]]
[[File:Uterus_arcuatus_27W_-_MR_T2_FS_axial_-_001_-_Annotation.jpg|Arcuate uterus MRI axial view|thumb|right]]
 
==Anatomy and Classification==
==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]].
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==
==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.
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]]
[[File:Pelvic_MRI_06_14_arcuate_uterus.jpg|Pelvic MRI showing arcuate uterus|thumb|left]]
 
==Clinical Significance==
==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.
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, 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.
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]]
[[File:Comparasion_of_results_from_Gorlin_Agarwal-Okpara-Bao_and_Clinical_data.JPG|Comparison of results from Gorlin, Agarwal-Okpara-Bao, and clinical data|thumb|right]]
==See also==
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Uterine anomaly]]
* [[Uterine anomaly]]
* [[Septate uterus]]
* [[Septate uterus]]
* [[Bicornuate uterus]]
* [[Bicornuate uterus]]
* [[Müllerian duct anomalies]]
* [[Müllerian duct anomalies]]
 
[[Category:Congenital disorders of female genital organs]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders of female genital organs]]
[[Category:Uterine malformations]]
[[Category:Uterine malformations]]

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]