1
|
Xholli A, Londero AP, Cavalli E, Scovazzi U, Ferraro MF, Vacca I, Schiaffino MG, Oppedisano F, Sirito G, Molinari F, Cagnacci A. The Benefit of Transvaginal Elastography in Detecting Deep Endometriosis: A Feasibility Study. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2024; 45:69-76. [PMID: 36746396 DOI: 10.1055/a-2028-8214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate elastography features of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and to define whether this technique may discriminate lesions from surrounding non-endometriotic tissue. METHODS This was an exploratory observational study on women affected by DIE treated in a third-level academic hospital gynaecology outpatient facility between 2020 and 2021. Strain elastography (SE) was conducted via transvaginal probe. Tissue deformation of DIE and surrounding tissue was expressed as percentage tissue deformation or as subjective colour score (CS; from blue=stiff to red=soft, assigned numerical values from 0 to 3). Ratios of normal tissue/DIE were compared to ratio of normal tissue/stiffer normal tissue area. RESULTS Evaluations were performed on 46 DIE nodules and surrounding tissue of the uterosacral ligaments (n=21), parametrium (n=7), rectum (n=14), and recto-vaginal septum (n =4). Irrespective of location, DIE strain ratio (3.09, IQR 2.38-4.14 vs. 1.25, IQR 1.11-1.48; p<0.001) and CS ratio (4.62, IQR 3.83-6.94 vs. 1.13, IQR 1.06-1.29; p<0.001) was significantly higher than that of normal tissue. ROC AUC of CS ratio was higher than ROC AUC of strain ratio (99.76%, CI.95 99.26-100% vs. 91.35%, CI.95 85.23-97.47%; p=0.007), and best ROC threshold for CS ratio was 1.82, with a sensitivity of 97.83% (CI.95 93.48-100%) and a specificity of 100% (CI.95 100-100%). CONCLUSIONS Both strain and CS ratios accurately distinguish DIE nodules at various locations. Applications of elastography in improving the diagnosis DIE, in distinguishing different DIE lesions and in monitoring DIE evolution can be envisioned and are worthy of further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjeza Xholli
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Elena Cavalli
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Umberto Scovazzi
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Francesco Ferraro
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vacca
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Schiaffino
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Oppedisano
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sirito
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Filippo Molinari
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- DINOGMI, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rohr Thomsen C, Leonhard AK, Strandbo Schmidt Jensen M, Bor P, Hinge M, Uldbjerg N, Sandager P. Quantitative strain elastography of the uterine cervix assessed by the GE Voluson E10 system in combination with a force-measuring device. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2213797. [PMID: 37202178 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2213797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During pregnancy, the stiffness of the cervical tissue decreases long before the cervical length decreases. Therefore, several approaches have been proposed in order to ensure a more objective assessment of cervical stiffness than that achieved by digital evaluation. Strain elastography has shown promising results. This technique is based on an ultrasound assessment of the tissue deformation that occurs when the examiner applies pressure on the tissue with the ultrasound probe. However, the results are only semi-quantitative as they depend on the unmeasured force used by the examiner. We, therefore, hypothesized that a force-measuring device applied to the handle of the ultrasound probe may render the technique quantitative. With this approach, the stiffness is the force (measured by the device) divided by the compression (measured by the elastography platform). One perspective is the early identification of women at risk of preterm birth in whom cervical stiffness may decrease long before cervical shortening. Another perspective is cervical evaluation when planning labor induction. In this feasibility study, we aimed to evaluate how quantitative strain elastography performs when a commercially available strain elastography platform (by which the algorithm is unavailable) is combined with a custom-made, force-measuring device. We studied how the assessments were associated with the gestational age in women with uncomplicated pregnancies and how they were associated with cervical dilatation time from 4 to 10 cm in women undergoing labor induction. METHODS In the analysis, we included quantitative strain elastography assessments from 47 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies, with gestational age between 12+0 and 40+0, and from 27 singleton term-pregnant women undergoing labor induction. The force-measuring device was mounted on the handle of a transvaginal probe. The strain values (i.e. the compression of the cervical tissue) were obtained by the elastography software of the ultrasound scanner (GE Voluson E10). The region of interest was placed within the central part of the anterior cervical lip. Based on the force data and strain values, we calculated the outcomes cervical elastography indexGE (CEIGE) and the cervical strength indexGE (CEIGE x cervical length: CSIGE). RESULTS The average CEIGE was 0.24 N at week 12 and 0.15 N at week 30-34. For CSIGE these figures were 8.2 and 4.7 N mm, respectively (p = 0.002). Among women undergoing labor induction, the CEIGE was associated with a cervical dilatation time (4-10 cm) beyond 7 h. For nulliparous women, this area under the ROC curve was 0.94. CONCLUSION Quantitative strain elastography may constitute a tool for the evaluation of a uterine cervix with normal length in women at risk of preterm birth and in women undergoing labor induction. The performance of this tool deserves evaluation in larger clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rohr Thomsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus
| | - Anne Katrine Leonhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus
| | - Maria Strandbo Schmidt Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pinar Bor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus
| | - Mogens Hinge
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus
| | - Puk Sandager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zaniker EJ, Babayev E, Duncan FE. Common mechanisms of physiological and pathological rupture events in biology: novel insights into mammalian ovulation and beyond. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1648-1667. [PMID: 37157877 PMCID: PMC10524764 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Ovulation is a cyclical biological rupture event fundamental to fertilisation and endocrine function. During this process, the somatic support cells that surround the germ cell undergo a remodelling process that culminates in breakdown of the follicle wall and release of a mature egg. Ovulation is driven by known proteolytic and inflammatory pathways as well as structural alterations to the follicle vasculature and the fluid-filled antral cavity. Ovulation is one of several types of systematic remodelling that occur in the human body that can be described as rupture. Although ovulation is a physiological form of rupture, other types of rupture occur in the human body which can be pathological, physiological, or both. In this review, we use intracranial aneurysms and chorioamniotic membrane rupture as examples of rupture events that are pathological or both pathological and physiological, respectively, and compare these to the rupture process central to ovulation. Specifically, we compared existing transcriptomic profiles, immune cell functions, vascular modifications, and biomechanical forces to identify common processes that are conserved between rupture events. In our transcriptomic analysis, we found 12 differentially expressed genes in common among two different ovulation data sets and one intracranial aneurysm data set. We also found three genes that were differentially expressed in common for both ovulation data sets and one chorioamniotic membrane rupture data set. Combining analysis of all three data sets identified two genes (Angptl4 and Pfkfb4) that were upregulated across rupture systems. Some of the identified genes, such as Rgs2, Adam8, and Lox, have been characterised in multiple rupture contexts, including ovulation. Others, such as Glul, Baz1a, and Ddx3x, have not yet been characterised in the context of ovulation and warrant further investigation as potential novel regulators. We also identified overlapping functions of mast cells, macrophages, and T cells in the process of rupture. Each of these rupture systems share local vasoconstriction around the rupture site, smooth muscle contractions away from the site of rupture, and fluid shear forces that initially increase and then decrease to predispose one specific region to rupture. Experimental techniques developed to study these structural and biomechanical changes that underlie rupture, such as patient-derived microfluidic models and spatiotemporal transcriptomic analyses, have not yet been comprehensively translated to the study of ovulation. Review of the existing knowledge, transcriptomic data, and experimental techniques from studies of rupture in other biological systems yields a better understanding of the physiology of ovulation and identifies avenues for novel studies of ovulation with techniques and targets from the study of vascular biology and parturition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Zaniker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior Street, Lurie 10-109, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The latent phase of labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:S1017-S1024. [PMID: 36973092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The latent phase of labor extends from the initiation of labor to the onset of the active phase. Because neither margin is always precisely identifiable, the duration of the latent phase often can only be estimated. During this phase, the cervix undergoes a process of rapid remodeling, which may have begun gradually weeks before. As a consequence of extensive changes in its collagen and ground substance, the cervix softens, becomes thinner and dramatically more compliant, and may dilate modestly. All of these changes prepare the cervix for the more rapid dilatation that will occur during the active phase to follow. For the clinician, it is important to recognize that the latent phase may normally extend for many hours. The normal limit for the duration of the latent phase should be considered to be approximately 20 hours in a nullipara and 14 hours in a multipara. Factors that have been associated with a prolonged latent phase include deficient prelabor or intrapartum cervical remodeling, excessive maternal analgesia or anesthesia, maternal obesity, and chorioamnionitis. Approximately 10% of women with a prolonged latent phase are actually in false labor, and their contractions eventually abate spontaneously. The management of a prolonged latent phase involves either augmenting uterine activity with oxytocin or providing a sedative-induced period of maternal rest. Both are equally effective in advancing the labor to active phase dilatation. A very long latent phase may be a harbinger of other labor dysfunctions.
Collapse
|
5
|
Choi H, Barker E, Abduljabar AA, Anumba D, Porch A. Cervical Tissue Hydration Level Monitoring by a Resonant Microwave Coaxial Probe. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9527. [PMID: 36502229 PMCID: PMC9738423 DOI: 10.3390/s22239527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cervical tissue hydration level is one of the most important parameters to monitor in the early diagnosis of preterm birth. Electrical-impedance-spectroscopy-based techniques are often used, but they suffer from limited accuracy. Open microwave coaxial probes have been widely used as a broadband dielectric characterization technique for human tissue samples due to their versatility, but with limited accuracy due to their nonresonant nature. In this work, a resonant microwave open coaxial probe with multiple harmonic resonances is proposed as a sensing platform for tissue-hydration-level monitoring. The mechanical design was analyzed and verified by finite-element full 3D electromagnetic simulation and experiments. Dominant sources of errors and the ways to mitigate them were discussed. In vitro experiments were carried out on human cervix samples to verify the precision and accuracy by comparing the results to a commercial skin-hydration sensor. The proposed sensor shows mean fractional frequency shift of (3.3 ± 0.3) × 10-4 per unit % over the entire data. This translates into an absolute frequency shift (ΔfN) of 252 ± 23 kHz/%, 455 ± 41 kHz/%, and 647 ± 57 kHz/% at second, fourth, and sixth harmonic resonance, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heungjae Choi
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, 14-17 The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
| | - Emilia Barker
- School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, 19 Claremont Crescent, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK
| | | | - Dilly Anumba
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, JW4/40, Level 4, Jessop Wing, Tree Root Walk, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK
| | - Adrian Porch
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, 14-17 The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Classification of Vascular Hotspots and Micro-Vessel Flow Velocity Waveforms in Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions and HPV Condyloma of the Cervix. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102390. [PMID: 36292079 PMCID: PMC9601140 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess hotspot micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical infections using transvaginal power Doppler ultrasound (TV-PDU) and to explore the associations of these sonographic parameters with HPV condyloma and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) of the cervix. A total of 39 patients with cervical HPV infections with abnormal cytology and colposcopy results (26 cases of LSIL; 13 cases of HPV condyloma) were enrolled to assess the vascular classification of the cervix and micro-vessel flow velocity using TV-PDU before treatment; 40 individuals with a pathologically normal cervix were used as the control group; seven parameters were measured, including vascular grading classification (Class I, Class II, and Class III), lowest pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PS), end-diastolic velocity (ED), time average maximum velocity (TAMV), and the vascular index (VI = PS/ED). According to vascular classification, most LSILs were class I (69.2%, 18/26), followed by class II (26.9%, 7/26) and class III (3.8%, 1/26). Most HPV condylomas were class I (92.3%, 12/13), and one was class II (7.7%, 1/13). PI, RI, VI (p < 0.0001), and the PSs (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in these cases than in the controls. The ED and TAMV were not significantly different between the patients and controls (p = 0.4985 and p = 0.1564). No sonographic parameter was significantly different between LSIL and HPV condyloma. The mean PI, RI, and VI were significantly lower in LSIL than in the controls. For HPV condyloma, a PI of 1.07 had an 84.6% sensitivity, 85.0% specificity, and an AUC of 88.8%; for LSIL, a PI of 1.08 had a 100% sensitivity, 85% specificity, and an AUC of 94.2%; for HPV infection (HPV condyloma + LSIL), a PI of 1.08 had a 94.9% sensitivity, 85% specificity, and an AUC of 92.4%. Hotspot vascular classification and micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms may provide a potential practical method for the auxiliary diagnosis of cervical HPV infection. The PI may represent a valuable index for distinguishing the micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in LSIL and HPV condyloma. Since the case numbers were limited in the current study, further validation is needed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang XL, Lin S, Lyu GR. Advances in the clinical application of ultrasound elastography in uterine imaging. Insights Imaging 2022; 13:141. [PMID: 36057675 PMCID: PMC9440970 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-022-01274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in tissue stiffness by physiological or pathological factors in tissue structure are identified earlier than their clinical features. Pathological processes such as uterine fibrosis, adenomyosis, endometrial lesions, infertility, and premature birth can manifest as tissue elasticity changes. In clinical settings, elastography techniques based on ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are widely used for noninvasive measurement of mechanical properties in patients, providing valuable tool and information for diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasound elastography (USE) plays a critical role in obstetrics and gynecology clinical work because of its simplicity, non-invasiveness, and repeatability. This article reviews the recent progress of USE in uterine tumor diagnosis (especially early diagnosis and treatment effect evaluation), prediction of preterm birth, and intrauterine insemination. We believe that USE, especially shear wave elastography, may serve as a potential means to assess tissue stiffness, thereby improving the diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis, fibroids, endometrial lesions, cervical cancer, and precise management of preterm birth and intrauterine insemination monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Li Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Guo-Rong Lyu
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No. 34 North Zhongshan Road, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, 362000, Fujian Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu YC, Chen CH, Ko YL, Huang JYJ, Yuan CC, Wang PH, Hsiao CH, Chu WC. Cervical Power Doppler Angiography with Micro Vessel Blood Flow Indices in the Auxiliary Diagnosis of Acute Cervicitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:1131. [PMID: 35626287 PMCID: PMC9140516 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We have conducted cervical imaging of uterine and micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) by transvaginal power Doppler ultrasound (TVPDU) in order to explore the associations of sonographic parameters with simple and complex cervicitis. Thirty-eight patients with acute PID (26 with acute simple cervicitis and 12 with complex cervicitis) were enrolled for an assessment of vascular grading of cervix and micro-vessel flow velocity using TVPDU before treatment. Seven parameters, including vascular grading (VG), lowest pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PS), end diastolic velocity (ED), time average maximum velocity (TAMV), and vascular index (VI = PS/ED), were measured and recorded. Forty-one healthy patients were assessed as the control group. Vascular grading (VG) was significantly higher in the study group than the control group (p < 0.0001). The PI, RI, and VI were significantly lower in the study group than control group (p < 0.0001). No significant associations were observed between seven sonographic parameters and acute simple or/and complex cervicitis. For acute simple cervicitis, a PI cutoff of 1.1 had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 92.1% (area under ROC curve [AUC], 93.2%). A RI of 0.6 had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 78.9% (AUC, 86.1%). A VI of 2.6 had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 78.9% (AUC, 84.9%). Power Doppler angiography of micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in the cervix could represent a practical method to assist the diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease presented as acute cervicitis detected on transvaginal ultrasound before medical or surgical treatment. Cervical PI may be a useful index to detect micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in acute cervicitis and differentiate acute simple cervicitis from complex cervicitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yangming Chiaotung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taiwan IVF Group, Ton-Yen General Hospital, Zhubei 302048, Taiwan;
- Department of Gynecology, Koo Foundation SYS Cancer Center, Taipei 112019, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyou Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 100027, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Li Ko
- Nursing Department, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 242062, Taiwan;
| | - Jack Yu-Jen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taiwan IVF Group, Ton-Yen General Hospital, Zhubei 302048, Taiwan;
| | - Chiou-Chung Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei 112401, Taiwan;
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112201, Taiwan;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hua Hsiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yangming Chiaotung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyou Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 100027, Taiwan;
| | - Woei-Chyn Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Yangming Chiaotung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Feng Q, Chaemsaithong P, Duan H, Ju X, Appiah K, Shen L, Wang X, Tai Y, Leung TY, Poon LC. Screening for spontaneous preterm birth by cervical length and shear-wave elastography in the first trimester of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:500.e1-500.e14. [PMID: 35460624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND First-trimester cervical length for the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery remains controversial. A better method for the measurement of the first-trimester cervical length and additional cervical ultrasound parameters for the identification of women at high risk for spontaneous preterm delivery are needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the predictive value of cervical length measured by 2 different methods in the first trimester of pregnancy to predict spontaneous preterm delivery and to explore the potential value of first-trimester cervical shear-wave elastography for the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study in unselected singleton pregnancies at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks' gestation. Cervical length was measured by the following 2 methods in the base-cohort population: (1) a linear distance between the 2 ends of the glandular area around the endocervical canal (single-line method: cervical length-s) and (2) a sum of the linear distance from the internal os to the greatest cervical curvature and the linear distance from this point to the external os (2-line method: cervical length-t). In a substudy, cervical shear-wave elastography scores for 9 regions of interest (inner, middle, and external parts of anterior lip, endocervical canal, and posterior lip) in midsagittal plane were also obtained by transvaginal ultrasonography. The screening performance of the first-trimester cervical length measured by the 2 different methods for the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery was assessed by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. The areas under the curves were compared using a DeLong test. The predictive performance of a soft cervix (mean elastography scores with multiple of median <5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th percentile) for spontaneous preterm delivery was also determined. RESULTS Among a total of 2316 included pregnancies, spontaneous delivery at <37 and <34 weeks' gestation occurred in 111 cases (4.8%) and 20 cases (0.9%), respectively. In the total study population, when compared with the term delivery group, the median cervical length-t was shorter in women with spontaneous delivery at <34 weeks' gestation (36.9 mm vs 35.1 mm; P=.015), but there was no clear correlation for cervical length-s. Receiver operating characteristics curves demonstrated that cervical length-t achieved better performance in predicting spontaneous delivery at <34 weeks' gestation (area under the curve, 0.658 vs 0.573; P<.01) than cervical length-s. The best combined model to predict spontaneous delivery at <34 weeks' gestation was provided by cervical length-t and history of preterm delivery (area under the curve, 0.692). In the substudy, a soft cervix with a mean elastography scores multiple of median <10th percentile had a relative risk of 7.8 (95% confidence interval, 2.1-28.6) for spontaneous delivery at <34 weeks' gestation; the detection rate was 44.4% at a false-positive rate of 9.0%. CONCLUSION The 2-line approach provides a better estimate of the actual first-trimester cervical length and achieves better performance as a screening tool for spontaneous preterm delivery at <34 weeks' gestation than the conventional measurement. A soft cervix as determined by shear-wave elastograpthy in the first trimester is associated with an increased risk for subsequent spontaneous preterm delivery.
Collapse
|
10
|
Clark-Patterson G, Domingo M, Miller KS. Biomechanics of Pregnancy and Vaginal Delivery. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
11
|
Thomsen CR, Jensen MSS, Leonhard AK, Mortensen TØ, Bor P, Sandager P, Hinge M, Uldbjerg N. A force-measuring device combined with ultrasound-based elastography for assessment of the uterine cervix. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2022; 101:241-247. [PMID: 35049047 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this feasibility study, we hypothesize that the evaluation of cervical biomechanical strength can be improved if cervical length measurement is supplemented with quantitative elastography, which is a technique based on conventional ultrasound elastography combined with a force-measuring device. Our aims were to: (a) develop a force-measuring device; (b) introduce a cervical elastography index (CEI) and a cervical strength index (CSI; defined as cervical length × CEI); (c) evaluate how these indexes assess the cervical softening that takes place during normal pregnancy; and (d) how these indexes predict the cervical dilatation time from 4 to 10 cm. MATERIAL AND METHODS An electronic force-measuring device was mounted on the handle of the transvaginal probe, allowing for force measurement when conducting elastography. The study group concerned with normal cervical softening included 44 unselected pregnant women. Outcomes were CEI and CSI at different gestational ages. The study group for labor induction included 26 singleton term pregnant women admitted for labor induction. Outcome was defined as cervical dilatation time from 4 to 10 cm. Elastography measured the changes in mean gray value (intensity) during manual compressions. Region of interest was set within the anterior cervical lip. RESULTS We found that the mean of all variables regarding cervical softening decreased from early to late pregnancy: ie cervical length from 34 to 29 mm, CEI from 0.17 to 0.11 N, and CSI from 5.9 to 3.1 N mm. Moreover, the cervical dilatation time during labor induction was associated with CEI, although not statistically significantly (area under the ROC curve of 0.67), but not with the Bishop score, the cervical length, or the CSI. CONCLUSIONS We propose that quantitative elastography based on changes in the intensity of the B-mode ultrasound recording, in combination with a force-measuring device on the handle of the vaginal probe, deserves further investigation as an approach for evaluation of cervical biomechanical strength.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rohr Thomsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Maria Strandbo Schmidt Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Katrine Leonhard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Pinar Bor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Puk Sandager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Center for Fetal Diagnostics, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mogens Hinge
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels Uldbjerg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shao J, Shi G, Qi Z, Zheng J, Chen S. Advancements in the Application of Ultrasound Elastography in the Cervix. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:2048-2063. [PMID: 34049726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound elastography is a modern imaging technique that has developed rapidly in recent years. It enables objective measurement of tissue stiffness, a physical property intuitive to the human sense of touch. This novel technology has become a hotspot and plays a major role in scientific research and academic practice. Presently, ultrasound elastography has been used in the identification of benign and malignant tumors in superficial organs, such as breast and thyroid, providing clinically accurate diagnosis and treatment. The method has also been widely used for the liver, kidney, prostate, lymph nodes, blood vessels, skin and muscle system. In the application of cervical lesions, ultrasound elastography can distinguish normal cervix from abnormal cervix and differentiate benign from malignant lesions. It can significantly improve the diagnostic specificity for cervical cancer and is also useful for assessing infiltration depth and stage of cervical cancer, as well as predicting chemoradiotherapy treatment response. For cervical evaluation during pregnancy, ultrasound elastography is useful for assessing cervical softening and predicting premature delivery and outcome of induced labor. This article reviews the principles of ultrasound elastography as well as the current status and limitations in its application for cervical lesions and the cervix during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Shao
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Guilian Shi
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhengqin Qi
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jingjing Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shigao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang M, Townsel CD, Akers LB, Kiros L, Treadwell MC, Maturen KE. Biomechanical Cervical Assessment Using 2-Dimentional Transvaginal Shear Wave Elastography in Nonpregnant and Pregnant Women: A Prospective Pilot Study. Ultrasound Q 2021; 37:183-190. [PMID: 34057917 DOI: 10.1097/ruq.0000000000000561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study evaluated the technical feasibility of 2-dimensional transvaginal shear wave elastography to quantify cervical stiffness in nonpregnant and pregnant women and established normal values in each group. With institutional review board approval, we performed a prospective study with an age-matched historical control design. Sixteen premenopausal nonpregnant women without cervical pathology and 17 low-risk pregnant women (gestational age 17-33 weeks) were enrolled. Cervical shear wave speeds were measured on a SuperSonic Aixplorer machine. The mean shear wave speeds of anterior cervix were 4.96 ± 1.96 m/s in nonpregnant women and 1.92 ± 0.31 m/s in pregnant women. No significant stiffness difference was found between the anterior and posterior cervix (P = 0.15). The upper cervix was stiffer than the lower cervix in the pregnant women (P = 0.00012). Transvaginal shear wave elastography reveals that cervix at a midterm gestation is significantly softer than nonpregnant cervix (P < 0.0001) and suggests a spatial stiffness gradient along the length of the cervix, consistent with histopathology and limited elastography literature. Our results indicate the potential of transvaginal shear wave elastography to provide objective and quantitative estimates of cervical stiffness, especially during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leah Kiros
- Psychology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zheng Z, Di X, Wang L, Zhang W, Feng Y, Shi SQ, Garfield RE, Liu H. Evaluation of cervical maturity by cervical collagen measurement using light-induced fluorescence (LIF) during pregnancy. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520964006. [PMID: 33203273 PMCID: PMC7683917 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520964006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aimed to evaluate cervical ripening by measuring cervical collagen levels in non-pregnant women, women with a normal pregnancy, and postpartum women by light-induced fluorescence (LIF). Methods Cervical collagen content in normal pregnant women (n = 165) at various times of gestation was measured by LIF with a collascope, which is specifically designed to measure fluorescence of collagen. Cervical LIF in non-pregnant women (n = 12) and postpartum women (n = 14) was also detected. The demographic characteristics of women at various times were recorded. The Bishop score at 40 to 41 gestational weeks (n = 37) before the onset of labor was analyzed. Results Cervical LIF values progressively declined from the non-pregnant state to late gestation (R = −0.836) and reached their lowest levels during parturition and then increased at postpartum. LIF values and the Bishop score were significantly negatively correlated (R = −0.83). In patients with a Bishop score ≥6, the first stage of labor was shortened with a decrease in LIF values (R = 0.718). Conclusions Cervical collagen levels as measured by LIF could be a useful method for evaluating cervical maturity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Di
- Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lele Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijuan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shao-Qing Shi
- Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| | - Robert E Garfield
- Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huishu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Preterm Birth Prevention and Treatment Research Unit, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xholli A, Simoncini G, Vujosevic S, Trombetta G, Chiodini A, Ferraro MF, Cagnacci A. Menstrual Pain and Elasticity of Uterine Cervix. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10051110. [PMID: 33799937 PMCID: PMC7961784 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Menstrual pain is consequent to intense uterine contraction aimed to expel menstrual flow through downstream uterine cervix. Herein it was evaluated whether characteristics of uterine cervix are associated with intensity of menstrual pain. Ultrasound elastography was used to analyze cervix elasticity of 75 consecutive outpatient women. Elasticity was related to intensity of menstrual pain defined by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Four regions of interest (ROI) were considered: internal uterine orifice (IUO), anterior (ACC) and posterior cervical (PCC) compartment and middle cervical canal (MCC). Tissue elasticity, evaluated by color score (from 0.5 = blue/violet (low elasticity) to 3.0 = red (high elasticity), and percent tissue deformation was analyzed. Elasticity of IUO was lower (p = 0.0001) than that of MCC or ACC, and it was negatively related (R2 = 0.428; p = 0.0001) to menstrual VAS (CR −2.17; 95%CI −3.80, −0.54; p = 0.01). Presence of adenomyosis (CR 3.24; 95% CI 1.94, 4.54; p = 0.0001) and cervix tenderness at clinical examination (CR 2.74; 95% CI 1.29, 4.20; p = 0.0004), were also independently related to menstrual VAS. At post hoc analysis, women with vs. without menstrual pain had lower IUO elasticity, expressed as color score (0.72 ± 0.40 vs. 0.92 ± 0.42; p = 0.059), lower percent tissue deformation at IUO (0.09 ± 0.05 vs. 0.13 ± 0.08; p = 0.025), a higher prevalence of cervical tenderness at bimanual examination (36.2% vs. 9.5%; p = 0.022) and a higher prevalence of adenomyosis (46.5% vs. 19.9%; p = 0.04). These preliminary data indicate that IUO elasticity is associated with the presence and the intensity of menstrual pain. Mechanisms determining IUO elasticity are useful to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjeza Xholli
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.X.); (A.C.); (M.F.F.)
| | - Gianluca Simoncini
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (G.S.); (S.V.); (G.T.)
| | - Sonja Vujosevic
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (G.S.); (S.V.); (G.T.)
| | - Giulia Trombetta
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (G.S.); (S.V.); (G.T.)
| | - Alessandra Chiodini
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.X.); (A.C.); (M.F.F.)
| | - Mattia Francesco Ferraro
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.X.); (A.C.); (M.F.F.)
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; (A.X.); (A.C.); (M.F.F.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jung YJ, Kwon H, Shin J, Park Y, Heo SJ, Park HS, Oh SY, Sung JH, Seol HJ, Kim HM, Seong WJ, Hwang HS, Jung I, Kwon JY. The Feasibility of Cervical Elastography in Predicting Preterm Delivery in Singleton Pregnancy with Short Cervix Following Progesterone Treatment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042026. [PMID: 33669696 PMCID: PMC7922916 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated an association between cervical strain and risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD). The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of elastography in predicting sPTD at <32 weeks of gestation in women with singleton pregnancies receiving progesterone for short cervix (≤2.5 cm) diagnosed between 16 and 28 weeks of gestation Among 115 participants eligible for analysis, nine had sPTD at <32 weeks. Preprogesterone (PP0) mean internal os strain (IOS), elasticity contrast index (ECI), hardness ratio (HR), one-week postprogesterone (PP1) IOS, mean external os strain (EOS), ECI, and HR were significantly different between groups. Higher PP0 IOS, PP1 IOS, and PP1 EOS were associated with a 2.92, 4.39 and 3.65-fold increase in the risk of sPTD at <32 weeks, respectively (adjusted for cervical length (CL) at diagnosis; p = 0.04, 0.012 and 0.026, respectively). A combination of CL at diagnosis, PP0 IOS and PP1 EOS showed a significantly higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.858) than that of CL alone (p = 0.041). In women with singleton pregnancies receiving progesterone for short cervix, cervical elastography performed before and one week after progesterone treatment may be useful in predicting sPTD at <32 weeks of gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ji Jung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women’s Medical Life Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Korea; (Y.J.J.); (H.K.); (J.S.); (Y.P.)
| | - Hayan Kwon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women’s Medical Life Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Korea; (Y.J.J.); (H.K.); (J.S.); (Y.P.)
| | - Jeongeun Shin
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women’s Medical Life Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Korea; (Y.J.J.); (H.K.); (J.S.); (Y.P.)
| | - Yejin Park
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women’s Medical Life Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Korea; (Y.J.J.); (H.K.); (J.S.); (Y.P.)
| | - Seok-Jae Heo
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Hyun Soo Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Korea;
| | - Soo-young Oh
- Samsung Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea; (S.-y.O.); (J.-H.S.)
| | - Ji-Hee Sung
- Samsung Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 06351, Korea; (S.-y.O.); (J.-H.S.)
| | - Hyun-Joo Seol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 05278, Korea;
| | - Hyun Mi Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea; (H.M.K.); (W.J.S.)
| | - Won Joon Seong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 41404, Korea; (H.M.K.); (W.J.S.)
| | - Han Sung Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical, Konkuk University, Seoul 05030, Korea;
| | - Inkyung Jung
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Correspondence: (I.J.); (J.-Y.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2228-2494 (I.J.); +82-2-2228-2245 (J.-Y.K.)
| | - Ja-Young Kwon
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Women’s Medical Life Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul 03722, Korea; (Y.J.J.); (H.K.); (J.S.); (Y.P.)
- Correspondence: (I.J.); (J.-Y.K.); Tel.: +82-2-2228-2494 (I.J.); +82-2-2228-2245 (J.-Y.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cadena I, Chen A, Arvidson A, Fogg KC. Biomaterial strategies to replicate gynecological tissue. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:1117-1134. [DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01240h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Properties of native tissue can inspire biomimetic in vitro models of gynecological disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Cadena
- Department of Chemical
- Biological
- and Environmental Engineering
- Oregon State University
- Corvallis
| | - Athena Chen
- Department of Pathology
- School of Medicine
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Portland
- USA
| | - Aaron Arvidson
- Department of Chemical
- Biological
- and Environmental Engineering
- Oregon State University
- Corvallis
| | - Kaitlin C. Fogg
- Department of Chemical
- Biological
- and Environmental Engineering
- Oregon State University
- Corvallis
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Badir S, Bernardi L, Feijó Delgado F, Quack Loetscher K, Hebisch G, Hoesli I. Aspiration technique-based device is more reliable in cervical stiffness assessment than digital palpation. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:391. [PMID: 32631265 PMCID: PMC7339509 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03080-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to compare the reliability and reproducibility of the traditional qualitative method of assessing uterine cervical stiffness with those of a quantitative method using a novel device based on the aspiration technique. Methods Five silicone models of the uterine cervix were created and used to simulate different cervical stiffnesses throughout gestation. The stiffness of the five cervix models was assessed both by digital palpation (firm, medium and soft) and with the Pregnolia System. Five self-trained participants conducted the device-based assessment, whereas 63 obstetricians and midwives, trained in digital palpation, conducted the cervical palpation. Results The results of the two methods were analyzed in terms of inter-and intra-observer variability. For digital palpation, there was no common agreement on the assessment of the stiffness, except for the softest cervix. When assessing the same cervix model for a second time, 76% of the obstetricians and midwives disagreed with their previous assessment. In contrast, the maximum standard deviation for the device-based stiffness assessment for intra- and inter-observer variability was 3% and 3.4%, respectively. Conclusions This study has shown that a device based on the aspiration technique provides obstetricians and midwives with a method for objectively and repeatably assess uterine cervical stiffness, which can eliminate the need to rely solely on a subjective interpretation, as is the case with digital palpation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Badir
- Pregnolia AG, Schlieren, Wiesenstrasse 33, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland.
| | - Laura Bernardi
- Pregnolia AG, Schlieren, Wiesenstrasse 33, 8952, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Gundula Hebisch
- Gynecology and Obstetrics, Thurgau Hospital, Frauenfeld, Switzerland
| | - Irene Hoesli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lamont RF, Richardson LS, Boniface JJ, Cobo T, Exner MM, Christensen IB, Forslund SK, Gaba A, Helmer H, Jørgensen JS, Khan RN, McElrath TF, Petro K, Rasmussen M, Singh R, Tribe RM, Vink JS, Vinter CA, Zhong N, Menon R. Commentary on a combined approach to the problem of developing biomarkers for the prediction of spontaneous preterm labor that leads to preterm birth. Placenta 2020; 98:13-23. [PMID: 33039027 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, preterm birth has replaced congenital malformation as the major cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The reduced rate of congenital malformation was not achieved through a single biophysical or biochemical marker at a specific gestational age, but rather through a combination of clinical, biophysical and biochemical markers at different gestational ages. Since the aetiology of spontaneous preterm birth is also multifactorial, it is unlikely that a single biomarker test, at a specific gestational age will emerge as the definitive predictive test. METHODS The Biomarkers Group of PREBIC, comprising clinicians, basic scientists and other experts in the field, with a particular interest in preterm birth have produced this commentary with short, medium and long-term aims: i) to alert clinicians to the advances that are being made in the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth; ii) to encourage clinicians and scientists to continue their efforts in this field, and not to be disheartened or nihilistic because of a perceived lack of progress and iii) to enable development of novel interventions that can reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with preterm birth. RESULTS Using language that we hope is clear to practising clinicians, we have identified 11 Sections in which there exists the potential, feasibility and capability of technologies for candidate biomarkers in the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth and how current limitations to this research might be circumvented. DISCUSSION The combination of biophysical, biochemical, immunological, microbiological, fetal cell, exosomal, or cell free RNA at different gestational ages, integrated as part of a multivariable predictor model may be necessary to advance our attempts to predict sPTL and PTB. This will require systems biological data using "omics" data and artificial intelligence/machine learning to manage the data appropriately. The ultimate goal is to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with preterm birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R F Lamont
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Division of Surgery, Northwick Park Institute for Medical Research Campus, University College London, London, UK.
| | - L S Richardson
- Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Dept. Electrical and Computer Engineering Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J J Boniface
- Sera Prognostics, Inc., 2749 East Parleys Way, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT, 84109, USA
| | - T Cobo
- BCNatal - Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu), Institut Clínic de Ginecología, Obstetrícia I Neonatología, Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona. Barcelona. Spain, Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M M Exner
- Hologic, Inc., 10210 Genetic Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | | | - S K Forslund
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation of Charité-Universitätsmedizin and the Max-Delbrück Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Gaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Maternal-fetal Medicine, Vienna Medical University, Austria
| | - H Helmer
- Department of Obstetrics and Maternal-fetal Medicine, Vienna Medical University, Austria
| | - J S Jørgensen
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Centre for Innovative Medical Technologies (CIMT), Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 8, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Odense Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9 a, 3. Floor, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - R N Khan
- Division of Medical Science and Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Room 4115, Medical School, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | | | - K Petro
- Hologic, Inc., 10210 Genetic Center Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - M Rasmussen
- MIRVIE Inc., 820 Dubuque Ave., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - R Singh
- ARCEDI Biotech ApS, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - R M Tribe
- Dept. of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital Campus, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - J S Vink
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C A Vinter
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - N Zhong
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 105 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA
| | - R Menon
- Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Dept. Electrical and Computer Engineering Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Duan H, Chaemsaithong P, Ju X, Ho SYS, Sun Q, Tai Y, Leung TY, Poon LC. Shear‐wave sonoelastographic assessment of cervix in pregnancy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 99:1458-1468. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Honglei Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Affiliated Drum Tower HospitalMedical School of Nanjing University Nanjing China
| | - Piya Chaemsaithong
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR
| | - Xiaoqing Ju
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sin Yee Stella Ho
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Obstetrics The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University Kunming China
| | - Yi‐yun Tai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology National Taiwan University Hospital Taipei Taiwan
| | - Tak Yeung Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR
| | - Liona C. Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and gynecology The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shear wave elastography of the uterine cervix under different conditions with inter-operator agreement analysis. Pol J Radiol 2020; 85:e245-e249. [PMID: 32612722 PMCID: PMC7315054 DOI: 10.5114/pjr.2020.95527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a relatively new technique for measuring tissue elasticity. Its implementation for assessing the tissue of the cervix is evolving, and SWE analyses of healthy, nonpregnant cervixes is the first step in understanding other SWE changes related to cervical pathologies; nevertheless, some challenges in the use of the technique still require investigation. We aimed to target the consistency of healthy cervix shear wave elastography measurements and examine the changes induced by patient-related factors. Material and methods Elastograms were obtained at the internal and external os in the anterior (IA, EA) and posterior (IP, EP) portions of the cervix using a transvaginal approach in eight postmenopausal and 25 premenopausal women. Measurements with a standard deviation of over 20% and patients who presented with colour loss or heterogeneity were excluded from the study. Shear wave elastography assessments were performed using a Toshiba Aplio 500 version 6. Statistical significance was defined as a p value less than 0.10, due to the small number of patients. Results The mean speeds obtained at the external os on the anterior and posterior aspects was 3.17 ± 0.85 m/s and 3.18 ± 0.84 m/s, respectively, and at the internal os, the results on the anterior and posterior aspects were 3.38 ± 0.73 m/s and 3.53 ± 0.81 m/s, respectively. The difference in speed among all regions was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Fifteen patients were also analysed by a second radiologist with a similar experience level as that of the first. Nine measurements for IP, 13 measurements for IA, 11 measurements for EP, and 15 measurements for EA were performed. The correlation coefficients between the two sets of measurements were 0.46, 0.30, 0.67, and 0.51, respectively. There was no difference in the SWE values with respect to age, parity, and gravidity for any of the regions. The SWE values at the IA, IP, and EA regions between the postmenopausal and premenopausal women were significantly different (p = 0.038, p = 0.059, p = 0.065). Conclusions The posterior portion of the internal os is most likely to undergo inaccurate SWE measurement among the different anatomical positions. The correlation between radiologists was found to be different for different locations in the cervix. More studies are needed to determine the SWE values of the healthy cervix and the agreement levels between radiologists.
Collapse
|
22
|
Cervical Assessment by Transvaginal Ultrasound for Predicting Preterm Birth in Asymptomatic Women. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
23
|
Standardization of measurement of cervical elastography, its reproducibility, and analysis of baseline clinical factors affecting elastographic parameters. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2019; 63:42-54. [PMID: 31970127 PMCID: PMC6962587 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.2020.63.1.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To provide a standardized protocol for the measurement of cervical strain elastography, present its reproducibility, and analyze baseline clinical factors affecting the measurement of elastographic parameters. Methods This study was performed by the Korean Research Group of Cervical Elastography. We enrolled pregnant women according to our study protocol. After measuring the cervical length, elastography was performed using the E-Cervix™ quantification tool to measure the strain of the cervix using intrinsic compression. We evaluated 5 elastographic parameters, namely, the strain of the internal os of the cervix (IOS), strain of the external os of the cervix (EOS), ratio of the strain of IOS and EOS, elasticity contrast index, and hardness ratio. For baseline clinical factors, we examined the maternal body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, uterine artery Doppler indices, and fetal presentation. Results We established a specific protocol for the measurement of cervical elastography using the E cervix program. For all elastographic parameters, the intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.633 to 0.723 for single measures and from 0.838 to 0.887 for average measures, and the inter-observer ICC ranged from 0.814 to 0.977 for single measures and from 0.901 to 0.988 for average measures. Regression analysis showed that the measurement of the elastographic parameter was not affected by baseline clinical factors. Conclusion We present a standardized protocol for the measurement of cervical elastography using intrinsic compression. According to this protocol, reproducibility was acceptable and the measurement of elastographic parameters was not affected by the baseline clinical factors studied.
Collapse
|
24
|
Du L, Lin MF, Wu LH, Zhang LH, Zheng Q, Gu YJ, Xie HN. Quantitative elastography of cervical stiffness during the three trimesters of pregnancy with a semiautomatic measurement program: A longitudinal prospective pilot study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2019; 46:237-248. [PMID: 31814257 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To assess the reproducibility of a semiautomatic quantification tool for cervical stiffness and evaluate the normal changes in cervical elasticity during the three trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS This longitudinal prospective pilot study evaluated cervical elasticity during the three trimesters of pregnancy (11-14, 20-24 and 28-32 weeks) in women with singleton pregnancies. Women with a history of conization, cerclage, cervical Naboth cysts (diameter > 10 mm), cervical tumors, or uterine malformation were excluded. A semiautomatic tool was used to evaluate the stiffness of the whole cervix and the internal and external cervical os with multiple quantitative elasticity parameters and the cervical length (CL) on the sagittal view via transvaginal elastography. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess intra- and interobserver variability. E-Cervix parameters during the three trimesters were compared using the Friedman test. RESULTS In total, 217 women with 651 strain examinations during the three trimesters were included. The intra- and interobserver ICC for the E-Cervix parameters ranged from 0.947 to 0.991 and 0.855 to 0.989, respectively. There were significant differences in all parameters among the three trimesters. Cervical elasticity showed significant softening and became heterogeneous during the three trimesters. The median CL was significantly shorter in the first trimester than in the second and third trimesters (P = 0.004, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION E-Cervix provides a graphical tool for operators to easily define regions of interest and obtain multiple repeatable measures of elasticity. The normal references for E-Cervix parameters during the three trimesters reflect the physiological cervical changes during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Du
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Fang Lin
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hong Wu
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-He Zhang
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Jun Gu
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Ning Xie
- Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wen X, Yu X, Cheng W, Li Y, Tian J. Quantitative Evaluation of Shear Wave Elastography on Radiation-Induced Neck Fibrosis in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Ultrasound Q 2019; 37:178-182. [PMID: 31094893 DOI: 10.1097/ruq.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The value of shear wave elastography (SWE) for quantitatively assessing neck fibrosis induced by radiotherapy (RT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was evaluated over time. We prospectively observed 56 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma before and after therapeutic neck irradiation. The elasticity parameters including Emax and Emean were used to measure the stiffness of the bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles. Twenty-seven patients completed a 1.5-year follow-up, with examinations beginning at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after RT. Forty controls were recruited for reliability tests (along with the patients) and measurement comparisons. The consistency of SWE measurements with the Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force-Subjective, Objective, Management and Analytic (LENT-SOMA) scale was tested. The intraclass correlation coefficients of elasticity indices for both patients and controls were higher than 0.75. The Emax and Emean of bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles in the pre-RT patient group were comparable with those of the controls, and increased with increasing postirradiation duration (r = 0.514-0.555; P < 0.01). Significant increases in the Emax and Emean were observed 18 months after RT. The SWE correlated well with the LENT-SOMA score when assessing radiation-induced neck fibrosis 1.5 years after RT (r = 0.557-0.649; P < 0.01). Furthermore, both the Emax and Emean in the LENT-SOMA grade 0 subtype were higher 18 months after RT than before RT (P < 0.01). Because of its high reliability and good consistency with the LENT-SOMA score and better stiffness reflection at grade 0, SWE may be used to objectively and quantitatively evaluate the variation trend of radiation-induced neck fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiwen Yu
- Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences
| | - Wen Cheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Tian
- Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Park HS, Kwon H, Kwak DW, Kim MY, Seol HJ, Hong JS, Shim JY, Choi SK, Hwang HS, Oh MJ, Cho GJ, Kim K, Oh SY. Addition of Cervical Elastography May Increase Preterm Delivery Prediction Performance in Pregnant Women with Short Cervix: a Prospective Study. J Korean Med Sci 2019; 34:e68. [PMID: 30863266 PMCID: PMC6406042 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2019.34.e68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated whether there is a difference in elastographic parameters between pregnancies with and without spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD) in women with a short cervix (≤ 25 mm), and examined the ability of elastographic parameters to predict sPTD in those women. METHODS E-CervixTM (WS80A; Samsung Medison, Seoul, Korea) elastography was used to examine the cervical strain. Elastographic parameters were compared between pregnancies with and without sPTD. Diagnostic performance of elastographic parameters to predict sPTD ≤ 37 weeks, both alone and in combination with other parameters, was compared with that of cervical length (CL) using area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS A total of 130 women were included. Median gestational age (GA) at examination was 24.4 weeks (interquartile range, 21.4-28.9), and the prevalence of sPTD was 20.0% (26/130). Both the elastographic parameters and CL did not show statistical difference between those with and without sPTD. However, when only patients with CL ≥ 1.5 cm (n = 110) were included in the analysis, there was a significant difference between two groups in elasticity contrast index (ECI) within 0.5/1.0/1.5 cm from the cervical canal (P < 0.05) which is one of elastographic parameters generated by E-Cervix. When AUC analysis was performed in women with CL ≥ 1.5 cm, the combination of parameters (CL + pre-pregnancy body mass index + GA at exam + ECI within 0.5/1.0/1.5 cm) showed a significantly higher AUC than CL alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION An addition of cervical elastography may improve the ability to predict sPTD in women with a short CL between 1.5 and 2.5 cm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Soo Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Hayan Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kwak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University Hospotal, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Joo Seol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jae-Yoon Shim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sae-Kyung Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Catholic University of Korea Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Han-Sung Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Jeong Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geum Joon Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kunwoo Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamchoon Women's Clinic, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-young Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|