22 - An Anomalous Structure Located Between the Uterus and the Sigmoid Colon in a 93-Year-Old Cadaver

Poster Board Number: 22
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Abstract Body : During a routine cadaveric dissection of the female pelvic cavity an anomalous tube-like structure was observed running between the posterior wall of the uterus and the anterior wall of the distal aspect of the sigmoid colon. The structure was 25mm in length and 2.9mm in diameter. Further study revealed that the structure was not continuous with the lumen of the uterus or the lumen of the sigmoid colon. Histological analysis of the structure indicated that the structure contained blood vessels and nerves surrounded by adipose tissue. An in-depth literature search was performed to determine if similar structures had been previously described. We were unable to find any similar reports. Anomalies associated with the uterus typically involve abnormalities in the shape of the uterus such as unicornuate, bicornuate, or septate. These types of anomalies are associated with defects in the development of the Müllerian ducts which give rise to the oviducts, uterus, cervix, and upper vagina. Given the location of this anomaly on the posterior aspect of the uterus it is unlikely to have arisen from the Müllerian ducts. Further analysis of the development of the female reproductive system provided no insight into the development of such an anomaly.

Abnormalities of the female reproductive tract are often associated with reduced fertility or the ability of a women to carry a pregnancy to term. Given the location of this anomalous structure it unlikely to have impacted fertility. However, it is possible that the structure could tear during pregnancy as the uterus increases in size or pull abnormally on the posterior aspect of the uterus. Unfortunately, the medical history of the cadaver is unknown. Reporting abnormalities of the female reproductive tract observed in cadavers can provide useful insight to obstetricians or surgeons of possible variations that could impact patient outcomes.