UDK: 618.14-073.756.8:
MitreskaJ.A.1,2, Nedev S.1,2, Nikolova S.1,2
1Institute of Radiology, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
2Faculty of Medicine,Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
| Nikolova Sonja | https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6681-1453 |
| Josifoska Mitreska Angela | https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2994-6770 |
Abstract
Background: Accurate differentiation of Müllerian duct anomalies is a critical component of infertility assessment. A septate uterus is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes and often requires surgical correction, whereas an arcuate uterus is considered a benign anatomical variant with no proven clinical significance. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior characterization of uterine morphology, enabling precise diagnosis.
Case Presentation: A 35-year-old woman undergoing infertility evaluation was referred for pelvic MRI due to a suspected septate uterus. MRI demonstrated a normal external uterine fundal contour with a smooth, broad concave indentation of the endometrial fundus measuring less than 1 cm. No fibrous septum or cavity division was identified, findings consistent with an arcuate uterus. Both ovaries were normal, and a small amount of physiologic pelvic free fluid was present.
Conclusion: This case underscores the pivotal role of MRI in distinguishing an arcuate uterus from a septate uterus during infertility work-up. Accurate imaging diagnosis prevents unnecessary surgical intervention and allows appropriate reproductive counseling.
Keywords: Arcuate uterus; Infertility; Müllerian duct anomalies; Pelvic MRI; Septate uterus
References:
- Chandler TM, Machan LS, Cooperberg PL, Harris AC, Chang SD. Müllerian duct anomalies: from diagnosis to intervention. Br J Radiol. 2009; 82:1034–1042.
- Imaoka I, Wada A, Matsuo M, Yoshida M, Kitagaki H, Sugimura K. MR imaging of disorders associated with female infertility: use in diagnosis, treatment, and management. Radiographics. 2003; 23:1401–1421.
- Santos Montón C, Martin Izquierdo M, Correa Soto RE, Alonso Diego I, Hernández Rodríguez C, Gallego García S. MR imaging of uterovaginal anomalies: what the surgeon needs to know before surgery. EPOS™ (ECR 2019). Poster No. C-0237. Available from: https://epos.myesr.org/poster/esr/ecr2019/C-0237
- Pfeifer SM, Attaran M, Goldstein J, Lindheim SR, Petrozza JC, Rackow BW, et al. ASRM Müllerian anomalies classification 2021. Fertil Steril. 2021;116(5):1238–1252. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.09.025
- Jegannathan D, Indiran V. Magnetic resonance imaging of classified and unclassified Müllerian duct anomalies: comparison of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology classifications. SA J Radiol. 2018;22(1):1259. doi:10.4102/sajr. v22i1.1259
- Darwish OM, Mustafa AEM. Müllerian duct anomalies: diagnostic impact of magnetic resonance imaging. J Med Sci Clin Res. 2018;6(1):02. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i1.02
- Mahmud A. Arcuate uterus. Radiopaedia.org. Case study. Available from: https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-73155. Accessed December 16, 2025.