Familial imperforate hymen among three sisters of varying ages from the same mother: Case report about an unusual family event

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery case reports 2023-01, Vol.88, p.102514, Article 102514
• Main Authors: Baanitse, Jeannot M., Nzanzu, Justin M., Nyundo, W. Martin, Sikakulya, K. Franck, Muhumuza, Joshua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Familial; Imperforate hymen; Same mother; Three sisters
• ISSN: 2213-5766; 2213-5766
• DOI: 10.1016/j.epsc.2022.102514

Imperforate hymen is a rare condition, occurring in 1 in 2000 females in childhood period. However, it is not an uncommon cause of lower abdominal pain in girls. Without careful history taking and a thorough examination, the diagnosis can easily be missed. We report three cases of girls aged 8 years, 6 years and 33 months born of the same mother with imperforate hymen, who presented with varying symptoms. It should be noted that the mother also had a history of imperforate hymen. The diagnosis of imperforate hymen was made by history, physical examination and abdominopelvic ultrasound scan. All girls had a successful hymenectomy followed by a complication free recovery. No other abnormalities were diagnosed. A high index of suspicion is paramount among girls born in families that have a history of imperforate hymen to ensure timely diagnosis and management. Exhaustive physical examination at birth or during puberty is mandatory which often guides the timing of hymenectomy and prevents the complications in this category of patients.