# Congenital imperforate hymen in a newborn presenting with vaginal protrusion and abdominal distension: a rare case report

**Authors:** Fatema Almoustafa, Nour Eddin Almustafa, Ahmed Farag, Hamid Al Chamy, Sultaneh Haddad, Sara Jabaly

PMC · DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag047 · Journal of Surgical Case Reports · 2026-02-05

## TL;DR

A newborn girl with an imperforate hymen developed severe abdominal swelling and kidney issues, which were resolved quickly after a hymenal incision.

## Contribution

This case emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for neonatal imperforate hymen to prevent complications.

## Key findings

- Hydrocolpos and hydronephrosis were resolved after hymenal incision in a newborn with imperforate hymen.
- Timely imaging and examination are critical for diagnosing and treating this rare neonatal condition.
- Renal function was preserved despite severe hydronephrosis due to prompt decompression.

## Abstract

Imperforate hymen is a rare neonatal anomaly that can cause hydrocolpos and urinary obstruction. We report a newborn girl who presented on day three with abdominal distension and was found to have severe hydrocolpos from an imperforate hymen, leading to bilateral hydronephrosis but with preserved renal function. A hymenal incision effectively drained the accumulated secretions, resulting in rapid clinical improvement and complete resolution on follow-up imaging. Hydrocolpos occurs due to fluid accumulation behind a vaginal obstruction such as an imperforate hymen, and early recognition is essential to prevent complications like hydronephrosis and renal impairment. In this case, timely imaging and focused examination enabled prompt hymenotomy and immediate decompression. This highlights the importance of clinical suspicion, early imaging, and careful genital examination in female neonates. Neonatal imperforate hymen can cause significant hydrometrocolpos and hydronephrosis, emphasizing the need for early recognition and intervention.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** hydronephrosis (MONDO:0005510)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (taxon 9606)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Hydrocolpos (MESH:D052202), neonatal anomaly (MESH:D009358), renal impairment (MESH:D007674), urinary obstruction (MESH:D001748), vaginal obstruction (MESH:D014627), abdominal distension (MESH:D000007), hydronephrosis (MESH:D006869), Imperforate hymen (MESH:C562397), hydrometrocolpos (MESH:C538159)

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

6 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12875340/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12875340