Hematocolpos: a diagnostic trap

ABSTRACT

The heamatocolpos is a retention of menstrual bleeding in the vaginal cavity. The main etiological factor is imperforate hymen. According to the literature data and this observation, this affection is discovered at puberty and could reveal other malformations notably uterine and renal. The diagnosis can be easily confirmed in front of some clinical signs, as amenorrhoea with periodic pelvic pains and the inspection of vulvoperineal area. However normal hymen does not eliminate the diagnosis. The heamato colpos can be top of obstructed hemivagina. The pelvic ultrasonic scan is essential to check up any associated malformation. Delayed diagnosis may give rise to some complications [endometritis, infection] which may interfere with the prognosis of ulterior fertility. The treatment of these malformations is surgical more often through the vaginal approach. The prevention of this affection depends on the early diagnosis of malformation at birth by a careful inspection of vulvoperinial area and its treatment during the prepubertal period