title: Müllerian agenesis in the presence of anorectal malformations in female newborns: a diagnostic challenge.
abstract: Rectovestibular fistula is the most common type of anomaly found in a female newborn with anorectal malformation. However, when the baby is found to have two orifices in the introitus, rectovaginal fistula is much less common and suspected. The rare differential diagnosis of Müllerian agenesis, a condition in which the rectum shifts anteriorly and the vagina is absent, is seldom considered. In many cases, the diagnosis of Müllerian agenesis is made only during definitive anorectoplasty. In view of its impact on management, a proper examination under anaesthesia, imaging studies and a diagnostic laparoscopy may be required to confirm the presence or absence of Müllerian structures in such patients. We herein describe a patient with the rare coexistence of VACTERL association and Müllerian agenesis, and discuss the management of anorectal malformations in female patients with Müllerian agenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Xin Ling
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Teo
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Kannan Laksmi
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Narasimhan
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Joyce Horng Yiing
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chua
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000175:diagnosis; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D000071056:Anorectal Malformations; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004947:Esophagus / Q000002:abnormalities; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities; D010535:Laparoscopy; D017880:Limb Deformities, Congenital / Q000150:complications; D009095:Mullerian Ducts / Q000002:abnormalities*; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis; D012007:Rectum / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D013131:Spine / Q000002:abnormalities; D014132:Trachea / Q000002:abnormalities; D014621:Vagina / Q000002:abnormalities*
keywords: Müllerian agenesis; anorectal malformations