Early Detection of Imperforate Hymen Prevents Morbidity From Delays in Diagnosis

Abstract

Two distinct populations of girls with IH exist, ie, those diagnosed without symptoms at a young age and those not diagnosed until >8 years of age. By incorporating an examination of the external genitalia into their routine practice, clinicians caring for children can prevent the significant delays in diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and morbidity associated with the latter group.

Imperforate hymen

“…The patient underwent to hymenectomy with the aim to prevent the future complications typical of IH. [1] The IH is a rare congenital anomaly with prevalence of 0.05-0.1%, [2] resulting from failure of distal canalization of the vaginal plate at the junction between the urogenital sinus and the vagina. [2] It could be an isolated anomaly but associations with genitourinary tract anomalies (e.g.…”

“…; ectrodactyly) have been described. [1,2] Imperforate hymen occludes outflow from the female genital tract and then accumulation of uterine and vaginal secretions occurs. Usually the diagnosis is made either in the newborn period or during adolescence.…”

“…Usually the diagnosis is made either in the newborn period or during adolescence. [1] The newborn may present with a whitish bulging mass filling the vaginal introitus while the adolescent may present amenorrhea, cyclic abdominal pain or bluish bulging introital mass. [1,2] The therapy is always represented by hymenectomy.…”

“…[1] The newborn may present with a whitish bulging mass filling the vaginal introitus while the adolescent may present amenorrhea, cyclic abdominal pain or bluish bulging introital mass. [1,2] The therapy is always represented by hymenectomy. [3] It has been reported that 2 distinct subpopulations of girls with IH exist on the basis of the age at diagnosis.…”

“…[3] It has been reported that 2 distinct subpopulations of girls with IH exist on the basis of the age at diagnosis. [1] One group comprehends younger girls (< 3 years old) usually asymptomatic and diagnosed accidentally through physical examination alone. [1] The other group consists of older girls (> 9 years old), usually symptomatic, experiencing protracted symptoms and undergoing unnecessary laboratory and radiographic studies without genital clinical examination for two thirds of the cases.…”