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Youssef A, Del Magno A, Nedu B, Dapoto F, Brunelli E. Feasibility and reproducibility of new technique for measurement of transverse diameter of levator ani muscle hiatus using two-dimensional transperineal ultrasound in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:824-832. [PMID: 38308852 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was two-fold. Firstly, we aimed to develop and describe a technique for measurement of the transverse diameter (TD) of the levator ani muscle (LAM) hiatus in the coronal view using two-dimensional (2D) transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in nulliparous women with a term pregnancy. Secondly, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of 2D-TPUS assessment of LAM hiatal TD and assess intermethod agreement between 2D-TPUS and three-dimensional (3D) TPUS measurement of TD in the axial plane, which is considered the gold standard in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. METHODS We recruited a group of nulliparous women with term pregnancy before the onset of labor. The study was conducted in two phases: Phase 1 involved developing and describing the 2D-TPUS technique for measuring LAM hiatal TD, and Phase 2 focused on assessing the technique's feasibility, reproducibility and intermethod agreement with 3D-TPUS measurement of LAM hiatal TD. In Phase 1, we enrolled 30 women. Each woman underwent acquisition of a 3D-TPUS volume, which was analyzed using multiplanar mode to identify and determine the appearance of the lateral borders of the LAM in the coronal plane, at the level of the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions. These borders were used as landmarks for TD measurement. Additionally, we measured the distance between the plane used for TD measurement and the center of the urethra in the axial view. In Phase 2, we recruited 100 women. Each woman underwent acquisition of three 2D-TPUS videoclips in the coronal plane, each encompassing a sweep of the entire LAM hiatus, and a 3D volume, all obtained during rest. On the 2D videoclips, TD was measured twice by one operator and once by another operator. In the 3D volume, TD was measured once, by one operator, in the axial plane; this measurement was considered the gold standard. Each operator was blinded to all other measurements during their assessments. We analyzed intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility and performed an intermethod (2D vs 3D) comparison. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted, and Levene's W0 test and Student's t-test were performed to explore clinical factors that might contribute to systematic differences. RESULTS In Phase 1, we identified successfully the landmarks denoting the lateral borders of the LAM hiatal TD in the coronal view. These appeared as two symmetrical hypoechogenic indentations located at the inner border of the hyperechogenic structure of the LAM, at the point of maximum distance between the two sides of the LAM. The distance between the urethra and the plane where TD should be measured using 3D-TPUS in the axial plane had a median of 4 mm and varied from 0 to 9 mm. This enabled us to describe a method for assessing LAM hiatal TD in the coronal plane using 2D-TPUS. In Phase 2, LAM hiatal TD was measured successfully in all 2D and 3D acquisitions from the entire group of 100 women. The analyses for intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility and the intermethod comparison (2D vs 3D) revealed almost perfect agreement in TD measurements using 2D-TPUS, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.96), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.92) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90), respectively. The average differences between measurements were 0.1 mm for intraobserver, 1.0 mm for interobserver and 0.2 mm for intermethod repeatability. No systematic differences were observed in any of the measurement sets, except in the interobserver analysis, although this difference was clinically not significant (38.2 vs 37.2 mm, P = 0.01). None of the examined clinical factors (maternal body mass index and maternal age) exhibited a statistically significant impact on intraobserver, interobserver or intermethod reliability. CONCLUSIONS Utilizing our technique, described herein, to measure the LAM hiatal TD in the coronal view using 2D-TPUS is not only feasible but also highly reproducible and accurate in nulliparous women with term pregnancy. Moreover, it yields measurements that are comparable to those obtained in the reconstructed axial plane generated by 3D-TPUS. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Youssef
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Del Magno
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - B Nedu
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Dapoto
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Brunelli
- Obstetric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Khatri G, Bhosale PR, Robbins JB, Akin EA, Ascher SM, Brook OR, Dassel M, Glanc P, Henrichsen TL, Learman LA, Sadowski EA, Saphier CJ, Wasnik AP, Maturen KE. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Females. J Am Coll Radiol 2022; 19:S137-S155. [PMID: 35550798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary dysfunction, defecatory dysfunction, and complications after pelvic floor surgery are relatively common in the female population. Imaging tests are obtained when the initial clinical evaluation is thought to be incomplete or inconclusive or demonstrates findings that are discordant with patients' symptoms. An integrated imaging approach is optimal to evaluate the complex anatomy and dynamic functionality of the pelvic floor. Fluoroscopic cystocolpoproctography (CCP) and MR defecography are considered the initial imaging tests of choice for evaluation of POP. Fluoroscopic voiding cystourethrography is considered the initial imaging test for patients with urinary dysfunction. Fluoroscopic CCP and MR defecography are considered the initial imaging test for patients with defecatory dysfunction, whereas ultrasound pelvis transrectal is a complementary test in patients requiring evaluation for anal sphincter defects. MRI pelvis without and with intravenous contrast, MRI pelvis with dynamic maneuvers, and MR defecography are considered the initial imaging tests in patients with suspected complications of prior pelvic floor surgical repair. Transperineal ultrasound is emerging as an important imaging tool, in particular for screening of pelvic floor dysfunction and for evaluation of midurethral slings, vaginal mesh, and complications related to prior pelvic floor surgical repair. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Khatri
- Division Chief, Body MRI; Associate Division Chief, Abdominal Imaging, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Program Director, Body MRI Fellowship.
| | | | | | - Esma A Akin
- George Washington University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Susan M Ascher
- Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Olga R Brook
- Section Chief of Abdominal Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark Dassel
- Director Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
| | - Phyllis Glanc
- University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lee A Learman
- Dean, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
| | - Elizabeth A Sadowski
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin; and ACR O-RADS MRI Education Subcommittee Chair
| | - Carl J Saphier
- Women's Ultrasound, LLC, Englewood, New Jersey; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
| | - Ashish P Wasnik
- Division Chief, Abdominal Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Katherine E Maturen
- Associate Chair for Ambulatory Care and Specialty Chair, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Shi Q, Wen L, Zhao B, Huang S, Liu D. The Association of Hiatal Dimensions and Urethral Mobility With Stress Urinary Incontinence. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:671-677. [PMID: 33987879 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the association of hiatal area (HA), bladder neck mobility, and urethral mobility during the cough stress test (CST) with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS This was a prospective study of 110 continent and 190 incontinent women using transperineal ultrasound. HA, bladder neck mobility, and the mobility of six points along the urethra (Vectors 1-6) were measured. The cohort was randomly divided at a ratio of 2:1 into a training cohort and a validation cohort. The correlations of HA with bladder neck mobility, urethral mobility, and SUI were tested. The predictive model was yielded by fisher linear discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristics to assess the parameters' ability to predict SUI. RESULTS Valid data were collected from 177 incontinent women and 105 continent women. Significant differences were identified in HA, body mass index (BMI), funneling, bladder neck mobility, and Vectors 1-6 between them. HA was positively correlated to bladder neck mobility. In the training cohort, bladder neck position on Valsalva, Vectors 3, and BMI had the area under curves of 0.74, 0.69, and 0.66 (all P < 0.001); Funneling and Vector 3 had odds ratios of 18.96 and 3.65 (all P < 0.001), for predicting SUI. The predictive model incorporating funneling, Vectors 3, and BMI provided the best performance in predicting SUI in both cohorts. CONCLUSION The larger the HA was, the higher the bladder neck mobility. However, it was mid-urethral mobility rather than bladder neck mobility that performed best at predicting SUI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingling Shi
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Lieming Wen
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Baihua Zhao
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Shanya Huang
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
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Baessler K, Kempkensteffen C. Urogynäkologie meets Koloproktologie. COLOPROCTOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00053-021-00544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Yu H, Zheng H, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Xie M. Association between elastography findings of the levator ani and stress urinary incontinence. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 50:101906. [PMID: 32927106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the elasticity of the levator ani musle (LAM) with the patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by transperineal elastography. METHODS Conventional transperineal ultrasound and elastography were performed in the patients with SUI on quiescent condition and maximal Valsalva. Transperineal ultrasound and elastography were repeated after Kegel exercises. The scoring system and strain ratio (SR) values were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS After Kegel exercises, the ratio of subjective improvement or cure was 81 % (102/126). Mean elasticity score (ES) and SR of LAM were significantly higher than the value before on maximal Valsalva, respectively. Mean ES and SR of LAM after Kegel exercises were similar with the value before on quiescent condition, respectively. CONCLUSION The improvement of SUI was associated with the stiffer LAM assessed by elastography. Women with SUI who have softer LAM were more likely to have symptoms of SUI and Kegel exercise could strengthen the stiffness of LAM. BRIEF SUMMARY The improvement of SUI was associated with the stiffer LAM assessed by elastography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yu
- Department of Ultrasound, 128 Shen yang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Huamin Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, 128 Shen yang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Xuyin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 128 Shen yang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, Changning Maternity& Infant Health Hospital, 786 Yuyuan Road, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Meng Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, 128 Shen yang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China.
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Gao Y, Zhao Z, Yang Y, Zhang M, Wu J, Miao Y. Diagnostic value of pelvic floor ultrasonography for diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review. Int Urogynecol J 2019; 31:15-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-04066-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Speksnijder L, Oom DMJ, Van Bavel J, Steegers EAP, Steensma AB. Association of levator injury and urogynecological complaints in women after their first vaginal birth with and without mediolateral episiotomy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 220:93.e1-93.e9. [PMID: 30273588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic organ prolapse is a common health problem in women and has a negative influence on quality of life. A major cause of pelvic organ prolapse is levator injury. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of mediolateral episiotomy with levator injury (levator avulsion, ballooning, or combined) and urogynecological complaints. STUDY DESIGN A prospective observational cohort study was performed in 204 primiparous women with a spontaneous vaginal delivery without anal sphincter tear in a general hospital between 2012 and 2015. One hundred three of these women had had a mediolateral episiotomy. Validated urogynecological questionnaires and transperineal 3-dimensional/4-dimensional ultrasound were completed after delivery. Outcome measures were levator avulsion, ballooning (hiatal area of more than 25 cm2), and urogynecological questionnaire scores. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The median time at investigation after vaginal delivery was 13 months (range 6-33). Levator injury (avulsion, ballooning, or combined) was identified in 35 of the 103 women who had undergone mediolateral episiotomy (40.0%) and 33 of the 101 women without episiotomy (32.7%) (P = .69). No differences were found in the incidence of levator avulsion 27 (26.7%) vs 23 (22.8%) (P = .53) or in levator ballooning (20 [19.4%] vs 23 [22.8%] (P = .58) between both groups. There was an association between longer duration of the second stage of labor and the incidence of levator avulsion (odds ratio, 1.24 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.52]). Nonocciput anterior fetal position increased the risk of levator ballooning and levator injury (odds ratio, 10.19 [95% confidence interval, 1.89-54.91] and odds ratio, 12.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.41-104.38], respectively). No differences in urogynecological complaints were found. CONCLUSION Mediolateral episiotomy is not associated with the occurrence of levator injury or urogynecological complaints in women with a spontaneous vaginal delivery who did not obtain an anal sphincter injury. Levator injury was associated with a prolonged second stage of labor and a nonocciput anterior fetal position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Speksnijder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniëlla M J Oom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Van Bavel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Eric A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke B Steensma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Increasing Anteroposterior Genital Hiatus Widening Does Not Limit Apical Descent for Prolapse Staging During Valsalva's Maneuver: Effect on Symptom Severity and Surgical Decision Making. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2017; 24:412-418. [PMID: 28914705 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Determine if anteroposterior genital hiatus (GH) widening obscures rather than facilitates signs and symptoms, inadvertently altering management decisions for women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) during Valsalva's Maneuver, at a given total vaginal length (TVL). METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort with nested cross-sectional study of patients who underwent POP surgery. Data from obstetric and gynecologic history, preoperative and postoperative physical examinations, and 20-item Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and 7-item Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) scores were extracted. Study participants were compared in 2 groups: anteroposterior widened (>3 cm) and not widened (≤3 cm) GH, for baseline leading edge and POP stage, while controlling for TVL. Baseline PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores were evaluated within GH groups. Delta GH, PFDI-20, and PFIQ-7 scores after apical suspension with and without posterior colporrhaphy were compared to assess the clinical value of the procedure. RESULTS Study participants with anteroposterior GH widening during Valsalva maneuver had greater baseline leading edge descent and higher POP stage compared with those without anteroposterior GH widening after controlling for TVL. Baseline PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores were similar within both GH categories controlling for prolapse severity. Adding posterior colporrhaphy to apical suspension resulted in a greater anteroposterior GH reduction without improving delta PFDI-20 or PFIQ-7 scores. CONCLUSIONS Facilitation through herniation rather than obscuration from anteroposterior GH widening explains why patients will not be undertreated based on signs and symptoms of disease. Adding posterior colporrhaphy to apical suspension more effectively reduces anteroposterior GH widening without differential improvement in symptoms rendering the operation to no more than a cosmetic procedure.
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