title: The VCUAM (Vagina Cervix Uterus Adnex-associated Malformation) classification: a new classification for genital malformations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With an incidence of up to 5% in the general population, genital malformations are a frequent clinical occurrence. However, using the existing published classifications of malformations, difficulties arise in classifying genital malformations appropriately. The aim of the present study was to produce a simple, systematic, and reproducible classification system.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic arrangement of genital and associated malformaltions, using a structure similar to that in the TNM classification of oncological tumors, was developed and validated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with genital malformations in a university hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninty-nine premenopausal patients with genital malformations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were diagnosed for genital malformation using laparoscopy or magnetic resonance imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  A new classification (VCUAM) is presented to evaluate patients with different genital malformations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The external and internal female genital organs were divided into the following subgroups in accordance with the anatomy: vagina (V), cervix (C), uterus (U), and adnexa (A). Associated malformations were assigned to a subgroup (M) relative to each specific organ. The classification was validated in a group of 99 patients with genital malformations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The VCUAM classification for the first time makes it possible to reflect even complex malformations in a precise and individual fashion, taking associated malformations into account. The classification makes it easier to provide appropriate clinical care for the affected patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany. peter.Oppelt@gyn.imed.uni-erlangen.de
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Oppelt
authors.forename: Stefan P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Renner
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brucker
authors.forename: Pamela L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Strissel
authors.forename: Reiner
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Strick
authors.forename: Patricia G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Oppelt
authors.forename: Hellmuth G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Doerr
authors.forename: Guenther E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Schott
authors.forename: Juergen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hucke
authors.forename: Diethelm
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wallwiener
authors.forename: Matthias W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Beckmann
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000002:abnormalities; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000002:abnormalities*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010053:Ovary / Q000002:abnormalities*; D014599:Uterus / Q000002:abnormalities*; D014621:Vagina / Q000002:abnormalities*