Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) Syndrome in an Adolescent

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome, also known as obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome, is a rare Müllerian duct anomaly characterized by the triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications and preserve reproductive potential. We report the case of a 14-year-old female patient with significant dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities since menarche. The initial pelvic ultrasound was unremarkable. Nine months later, she presented repeatedly to the emergency department with left flank pain and vomiting. Further evaluation revealed the absence of the left kidney, uterus didelphys with an obstructed left hemi-uterus, hematocolpos, hematosalpinx, left ovarian endometrioma, and left renal agenesis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical management included laparoscopic hemihysterectomy of the left uterus and ipsilateral salpingectomy. Postoperatively, the patient was started on continuous progestogen-only therapy, with marked improvement in symptoms and quality of life. HWWsyndrome typically manifests soon after menarche with cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea refractory to treatment, or pelvic mass. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis, allowing precise anatomical characterization and guiding surgical planning. Without a functional or communicating obstructed hemicavity, hemihysterectomy with salpingectomy is an effective approach, preventing recurrence and reducing the risk of complications such as infection and endometriosis. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for HWW syndrome in adolescents with refractory dysmenorrhea and associated renal anomalies. Early diagnosis and individualized surgical management can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and preserve reproductive potential.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-11-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.96788
Primary Topic
Gynecological conditions and treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) Syndrome in an Adolescent

Júlia Martins Figueiredo, João Figueiredo
Cureus
Gynecological conditions and treatments
article

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) Syndrome in an Adolescent

Júlia Martins Figueiredo, João Figueiredo
article en

Abstract

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome, also known as obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome, is a rare Müllerian duct anomaly characterized by the triad of uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications and preserve reproductive potential. We report the case of a 14-year-old female patient with significant dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities since menarche. The initial pelvic ultrasound was unremarkable. Nine months later, she presented repeatedly to the emergency department with left flank pain and vomiting. Further evaluation revealed the absence of the left kidney, uterus didelphys with an obstructed left hemi-uterus, hematocolpos, hematosalpinx, left ovarian endometrioma, and left renal agenesis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgical management included laparoscopic hemihysterectomy of the left uterus and ipsilateral salpingectomy. Postoperatively, the patient was started on continuous progestogen-only therapy, with marked improvement in symptoms and quality of life. HWWsyndrome typically manifests soon after menarche with cyclic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea refractory to treatment, or pelvic mass. MRI is the gold standard for diagnosis, allowing precise anatomical characterization and guiding surgical planning. Without a functional or communicating obstructed hemicavity, hemihysterectomy with salpingectomy is an effective approach, preventing recurrence and reducing the risk of complications such as infection and endometriosis. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for HWW syndrome in adolescents with refractory dysmenorrhea and associated renal anomalies. Early diagnosis and individualized surgical management can relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and preserve reproductive potential.

CureusVol. 17(11)
Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 57%
Gynecological conditions and treatments
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.