Persistent incompetence of the cervix in female infants with congenital abnormalities of the pelvic viscera and perineum.

Vaginal reflux during voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a common finding in young females. Reflux of urine into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and peritoneal cavity documented by contrast studies is rare and considered abnormal. Chronic retrograde flow of urine and its contaminants through an incompetent cervical os mechanism into the peritoneal cavity may lead to peritonitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and sterility. Five females with congenital abnormalities of the pelvic viscera and perineum had reflux into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or peritoneal cavity during voiding studies done before or months to years after successful corrective surgery. The findings were compatible with a persistent incompetent cervical os. It appears that this group of patients is at risk for the development of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and its consequences.