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Abstract
Normal development of the female reproductive tract depends on complex interactions
among genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors leading to proper differentiation
of the Müllerian and Wolffian ducts and the urogenital sinus. Alterations in this
balance may result in a wide spectrum of reproductive tract abnormalities including
imperforate hymen, vaginal septa, vaginal atresia, incomplete Müllerian fusion, and
Müllerian aplasia. These anomalies may be isolated or associated with other anomalies;
abnormalities of the Müllerian duct and urogenital sinus are frequently associated
with developmental lesions of the urinary tract. Most reproductive tract abnormalities
are discovered during the evaluation of primary amenorrhea, infertility, pelvic pain,
or a pelvic mass. We review here the pathogenesis and nosology of the developmental
errors of the female reproductive tract.
Key Words
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Article info
Footnotes
†Supported in part by National Institutes of Health Contract N01-HD-8-2904.
Identification
Copyright
© 1988 Springer-Verlag New York Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.