Which of the following is a common type of congenital uterine malformation?

RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent-2026 (Shift -1st)

Explanation

A bicornuate uterus is a congenital uterine malformation resulting from the incomplete fusion of the Müllerian ducts during prenatal development.
This incomplete fusion leaves a depression at the top of the uterus, giving it a characteristic heart shape instead of the normal pear shape.
Congenital uterine anomalies like a bicornuate uterus can increase the risk of obstetrical complications such as miscarriage, preterm birth, and fetal malpresentation.

Option A: Endometriosis is an acquired condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterine cavity; it is not a congenital structural malformation.
Option C: Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign smooth muscle tumors that develop during a woman's reproductive years, not during fetal embryogenesis.
Option D: PCOS is an endocrine and metabolic disorder involving hormonal imbalances and anovulation, not a structural congenital anomaly of the uterus.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration comparing the normal pear-shaped uterus to the heart-shaped bicornuate uterus, highlighting the fundal depression and two distinct horns.
Visual 2: Chart - A chart showing the different classes of Müllerian duct anomalies (e.g., septate, bicornuate, didelphys, unicornuate) with simple diagrams for each.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of congenital uterine malformations and Müllerian duct anomalies as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses caring for pregnant patients with a known bicornuate uterus should be vigilant in monitoring for signs of preterm labor and fetal malpresentation, as the altered uterine shape can restrict fetal growth and positioning.
It is important for healthcare providers to differentiate between various uterine anomalies as the management and prognosis can differ significantly.
What if the patient had a septate uterus instead? A septate uterus, the most common type of Müllerian anomaly, carries a higher risk for miscarriage than a bicornuate uterus. However, it can often be corrected with a relatively simple outpatient hysteroscopic surgery (septoplasty), which can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes. A bicornuate uterus rarely requires surgical correction.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'congenital'. This means the condition must be present from birth.
Next, evaluate each option to determine its origin (congenital vs. acquired).
Recall or deduce that endometriosis (ectopic tissue), fibroids (tumors), and PCOS (hormonal disorder) are conditions that develop later in life, not defects present at birth.
Identify that a bicornuate uterus is a structural abnormality resulting from an error in embryonic development (incomplete fusion of Müllerian ducts).
Conclude that the bicornuate uterus is the only congenital malformation among the choices.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of congenital uterine malformations and Müllerian duct anomalies
Stem keywords: common type, congenital uterine malformation
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
Negative lead-in flag: false

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