Mucometrocolpos is the abnormal accumulation of genital secretions (

mucous Mucus ( ) is a slippery aqueous secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. It is typically produced from cells found in mucous glands, although it may also originate from mixed glands, which contain both serous and mucous cells. It ...

) that occurs as a result of an

imperforate hymen An imperforate hymen is a congenital disorder where a hymen without an opening completely obstructs the vagina. It is caused by a failure of the hymen to perforate during fetal development. It is most often diagnosed in adolescent girls when men ...

and the build up of these secretions behind the

hymen The hymen is a thin piece of mucosal tissue that surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal opening. It forms part of the vulva, or external genitalia, and is similar in structure to the vagina. In children, a common appearance of the ...

. The secretions originate from uterine and cervical

gland In animals, a gland is a group of cells in an animal's body that synthesizes substances (such as hormones) for release into the bloodstream ( endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface ( exocrine gland). Structure ...

s. It is a rare, congenital condition and usually occurs independent of other abnormal structures though

inheritance Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Offici ...

can play a part in its occurrence. It also occurs with

McKusick–Kaufman syndrome McKusick–Kaufman syndrome is a genetic condition associated with MKKS. The condition is named for Dr. Robert L. Kaufman and Victor McKusick. It is sometimes known by the abbreviation MKS. In infancy it can be difficult to distinguish between M ...

(MKS). Polydactyly and

heart disease Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. CVD includes coronary artery diseases (CAD) such as angina and myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack). Other CVDs include stroke, ...

are associated with this condition. Diagnosis is challenging because symptoms also occur in a variety of other

syndrome A syndrome is a set of medical signs and symptoms which are correlated with each other and often associated with a particular disease or disorder. The word derives from the Greek σύνδρομον, meaning "concurrence". When a syndrome is paired ...

s. Secretions can build up and extend as far as the uterus and abdomen. Mucometrocolpos can sometimes cause abdominal distention. The build up of mucous secretions can occur prior to adolescence unrelated to

menstruation Menstruation (also known as a period, among other colloquial terms) is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of ...

. Many cases can be detected prenatally. Treatment is surgical and is specific for each case. After treatment, many females are still able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.

References

Congenital disorders of female genital organs Anatomical pathology Pediatric gynecology {{womens-health-stub