Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvic floor-a pictorial review

Reference line lengthening on resting-state magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pelvic organ prolapse seeking surgical treatment

AIM

Injury to and laxity of the pelvic floor muscles are highly important factors in the etiology of pelvic organ prolapse. When women with pelvic organ prolapse perform the Valsalva maneuver, progressive descent and widening of the levator ani muscle are observed on dynamic magnetic resonance images. However, physical examination of such women often reveals pelvic floor laxity, even in a relaxed state. Therefore, we aimed to verify the hypothesis that sagging of the pelvic floor can be detected on resting-state magnetic resonance images in the supine position.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated resting-state magnetic resonance imaging findings in women with (n = 193; all underwent surgical treatment) and without (controls; n = 193) pelvic organ prolapse who had at least one prior vaginal delivery. We compared the lengths of the pubococcygeal line, H-line, and M-line between the groups.

RESULTS

The median lengths (interquartile ranges) for the prolapse and control groups were 98.3 (91.9-104.0) and 95.1 (90.3-101.4) mm (p = 0.0011), respectively, for the pubococcygeal line; 61.5 (56.0-67.9) and 51.1 (47.2-55.6) mm (p < 0.0001), respectively, for the H-line; and 24.6 (20.4-29.0) and 8.6 (3.9-13.0) mm (p < 0.0001), respectively, for the M-line. Similarly, in the multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, height, body mass index, a history of operative vaginal delivery, and a history of hysterectomy, the pubococcygeal line, H-line, and M-line were significantly longer in the prolapse group.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with pelvic organ prolapse, the H-line and M-line are significantly longer on resting-state magnetic resonance images, allowing for the detection of pelvic floor relaxation.

Sarcopenia in Women with Anorectal Dysfunctions-A Female Sarcopelvic Study

Background: Anorectal dysfunctions (ARDs) include fecal incontinence (FI) and functional defecation disorders (FDDs). The pelvic floor muscles play a central role in the physiology of continence and defecation. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in a female group with anorectal dysfunctions and compare them with a healthy female age-matched group. As secondary objectives, the relationship between anorectal dysfunction outcomes and sarcopenia was analyzed. Methods: We conducted a single-center cross-sectional, interventional, controlled, and double-blind study involving female adults admitted to an ARD outpatient clinic assessed for FI and/or FDD. A control group was also included of age-matched women without ARD. Sarcopenia was evaluated in the entire cohort, according to the latest criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software v.29, considering a confidence interval of 95%. Results: A total of 130 participants were included, equally divided by the two groups. The median age was 64 years. Both groups were also similar regarding body mass index (BMI), physical activity index values, and dietary patterns. Among the 130 investigated women, there were no cases of confirmed sarcopenia or severe sarcopenia, but 15 women (11.5%) had probable sarcopenia or dynapenia. The case group had significantly more probable sarcopenia than women in the control group (14 (21.5%) vs. 1 (1.5%), p < 0.001). The presence of relevant comorbidities, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary incontinence (UI), and meat dietary pattern (MDP), was a risk factor for probable sarcopenia. The binomial logistic regression analysis showed that probable sarcopenia (OR 3.9; CI 1.1-14.1, p = 0.039) was associated with a worse treatment response. Conclusions: Probable sarcopenia or dynapenia was significantly more prevalent in women with ARD and was a predictive factor of a worse treatment response, regardless of the ARD severity. Concomitant UI, MDP, IBS, and psychiatric conditions were significantly associated with dynapenia. The inclusion of the evaluation of sarcopenia in these patients should be considered.

A novel pelvic magnetic resonance imaging measurement for pelvic organ prolapse evaluation

BACKGROUND

Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging has been proven effective for quantifying the extent of prolapse. The pubococcygeal line is used universally as a reference line in measuring pelvic organ prolapse; however, it focuses solely on 3 lowest points in the anterior, middle, and posterior pelvic compartments, without taking into account other pelvic floor structures and their interactions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to introduce and validate the area under the pubococcygeal line, a novel measurement method for evaluating pelvic organ prolapse, to examine its correlation with clinical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging, and assess its reliability across different raters.

STUDY DESIGN

This study recruited 225 women who underwent evaluations involving both magnetic resonance imaging measurements and clinical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging. A comprehensive statistical approach involving descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, reliability assessment, and ordinal logistic regression analysis was adopted to evaluate the applicability and reliability of the area under the pubococcygeal line measurement.

RESULTS

Analysis of participant characteristics across different Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages revealed a significant association between increased values of the area under the pubococcygeal line and severity of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification staging. Correlation analysis was performed to identify and quantify the strength of the associations between the variables. The area under the pubococcygeal line showed a strong positive correlation with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages (Spearman's r=0.878, P<.001), outperforming the pubococcygeal line grades (Spearman's r=0.777, P<.001). Reliability assessments yielded excellent intra- and interrater reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficient values of 0.980 and 0.906, respectively. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between these variables and pelvic organ prolapse severity, highlighting significant associations between the area under the pubococcygeal line and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages.

CONCLUSION

The area under the pubococcygeal line measurement method is a novel and comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging technique for evaluating pelvic organ prolapse. This method strongly correlates with clinical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages and exhibits excellent intra- and interrater reliability, holding a potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy, optimized treatment strategies, and improved patient outcomes.

Imaging of pelvic floor disorders involving the posterior compartment on dynamic MR defaecography

Disorders related to defaecation are widely common in the population and are often overlooked. Patients may present with a wide variety of symptoms such as constipation, faecal incontinence, painful defaecation, incomplete defaecation, hard stools, rectal bleeding, and mass per rectum. Complete clinical examination with radiological imaging, using dynamic MR Defaecography, can help in assessing, grading, and managing posterior compartment pelvic floor disorders and complex dysfunctions. The cases reveal a spectrum of pelvic floor disorders and complex dysfunctions including spastic pelvic floor syndrome, Grade 3 anorectal descent with rectocoele and cystocoele, tri-compartmental descent with obstructed defaecation syndrome, complete external rectal prolapse with Grade 3 abnormal anorectal descent and rectal intussusception.

Contribution

This case series emphasises the importance of understanding the correlation of clinical and radiological imaging findings in posterior compartment pelvic floor dysfunctions through a series of cases presenting with clinical complaints related to defaecation.

Clinical value of MR defecography: What additional knowledge is provided by the radiologist to the surgeon?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical value of MR defecography in supporting surgical decision-making and management strategies in a consecutive series of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A consecutive series of patients with clinical suspicion of pelvic disorders who underwent MR defecography at a single university hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were included. MR defecography was performed at rest (axial/sagittal and coronal T2-weighted sequences), during squeezing, straining, and evacuation (dynamic sagittal T2-weighted sequences). An expert surgeon assessed his satisfaction about the diagnostic information given by the prospective radiological report as: 1: insufficient, 2: sufficient, 3: good, 4: excellent. For patients who underwent surgery, the same surgeon assessed the usefulness of the MR defecography, using a score from 1 to 4 (1: discordant findings, useless exam; 2: concordant findings without new information; 3: concordant findings, useful new information; 4: concordant findings, extremely useful new information).

RESULTS

A total of 218 patients (age 27 - 79, mean 60 ± 11; 193 females and 25 males) entered the analysis. For 211 of them (97 %), the radiologist was able to evaluate the images and determine an MR defecography-based diagnosis; in 7 patients (3 %), a diagnosis was not provided due to exam interruption for low patient's compliance. In 195/211 patients (92 %), the radiological diagnosis matched the clinical suspect that prompted the examination. The satisfaction about the diagnostic information given by the radiological report of the 211 exams was assessed by the surgeon as follows: excellent (n = 99, 47 %), good (n = 48, 23 %), sufficient (n = 35, 16 %), and insufficient (n = 29, 14 %). Out of 211 patients, 73 (34.6 %) underwent surgery. MR defecography provided concordant findings with relevant additional information in 63 (86.3 %), concordant findings with additional information in 3 (4.1 %), concordant findings without additional information in 4 (5.5 %), and discordant findings in 3 (4.1 %).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic information prospectively provided by MR defecography resulted to be good or excellent in 70 % of the patients, adding clinical value in the preoperative surgical setting in 86 % of those patients who underwent surgery.

Volumetric segmentation analysis of the levator ani muscle using magnetic resonance imaging in pelvic floor function assessment

PURPOSE

In this case-control study, we aimed to evaluate how muscle volume affects pelvic floor function by analyzing the levator ani muscle (LAM) using volumetric segmentation in addition to standard magnetic resonance (MR) defecography assessments.

METHODS

We enrolled 85 patients with varying degrees of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) and 85 age- and gender-matched controls in this retrospective study. All patients had MR defecography images, while all controls had pelvic MR images obtained for other reasons. Group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. The receiver operating curve (ROC) was constructed to establish a cut-off value for a normal LAM volume. Interrater reliability was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Volumetric measurements revealed that the control group had higher LAM volumes, and the ROC curve analysis indicated a cut-off value of 38934.3 mm3 with a sensitivity of 0.812 and specificity of 0.8 for PFD assessment using LAM volumetric measurement. Gender did not significantly affect LAM volume in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Alongside the useful structural and functional information acquired from MR defecography images, volumetric analysis, and three-dimensional reconstructions of LAM may help to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Assessment of pelvic organ prolapse with the Pelvic Inclination Correction System: defining the normal range and threshold to pathology

PURPOSE

To define the normal range and threshold values for pathologic prolapse on MRI using the PICS line and assess its correlation with the pubococcygeal line (PCL).

METHODS

This prospective, IRB-approved study included 20 nulliparous volunteers and 18 prolapse patients (POP-Q Stage ≥ 2). Organ positions (bladder, cervix, anorectal junction) relative to PICS and PCL were measured on dynamic MRI. Differences in organ position were compared. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify cutoff values for prolapse using the PICS line. The correlation between PICS and PCL measurements was tested with Spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

In volunteers, median bladder and cervix positions measured to the PICS at rest were - 2.7 cm and - 5.3 cm compared to - 1.9 cm and - 2.7 cm in patients (p < 0.001). During straining, bladder and cervix were at - 0.9 cm and - 3.2 cm in volunteers versus + 2.5 cm and + 2.5 cm in patients (p < 0.001). Correlation was strong for PICS and PCL measurements for all three compartments (δ = 0.883-0.970, p ≤ 0.001). AUCs of PICS for the anterior and middle compartment were 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-1.00, p < 0.001) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.89-1.00, p < 0.001) for differentiating patients from healthy volunteers. AUC for the posterior compartment was 0.76 (95% CI 0.57-0.96, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

PICS measurements reliably differentiate patients from volunteers in the anterior and middle compartment. Future studies need to identify a reliable threshold for the posterior compartment. PICS and PCL measurements are strongly correlated.

MR defecography in assessing stress urinary incontinence with or without symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse

PURPOSE

Utilize magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) to analyze the primary pelvic floor dysfunctions in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and in SUI patients with asymptomatic POP.

METHOD

We performed MRD in both SUI and POP subjects. As a primary analysis, the functional MR parameters were compared between the isolated POP and POP combined SUI groups. As a secondary analysis, the functional MR data were compared between the POP combined SUI and the SUI with asymptomatic POP (isolated SUI) groups.

RESULTS

MRD noted the main characteristics of SUI combined moderate or severe POP, including the shorter closed urethra length (1.87 cm vs. 2.50 cm, p < 0.001), more prevalent urethral hypermobility (112.31° vs. 85.67°, p = 0.003), bladder neck funneling (48.28% vs. 20.51%, p = 0.020), lower position of vesicourethral junction (2.11 cm vs. 1.67 cm, p = 0.030), and more severe prolapse of the posterior bladder wall (6.26 cm vs. 4.35 cm, p = 0.008). The isolated SUI patients showed the shortest length of the closed urethra (1.56 cm vs. 1.87 cm, p = 0.029), a larger vesicourethral angle (153.80° vs. 107.58°, p < 0.001), the more positive bladder funneling (84.85% vs. 48.28%, p = 0.002) and a special urethral opening sign (45.45% vs. 3.45%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SUI accompanying POP primarily exhibit excessive urethral mobility and a shortened urethral closure. SUI patients with asymptomatic POP mainly show dysfunction of the urethra and bladder neck, characterized by the opening of the urethra and bladder neck and a shortened urethral closure.

Assessment of defecation disorders using high-resolution MRI-defecography

AIMS

The aim of this retrospective study was to try to find correlations between different diagnoses established by clinical examination, anorectal manometry and MRI-defecography and, the association with psychiatric disorders.

METHODS

44 patients (median age 53.81 years) presenting with intestinal motility disorders and who underwent clinical, biological and psychiatric examination, dynamic defecographic-MRI (resting, squeezing, straining, defecation and evacuation phases), anorectal manometry, colonoscopy. MRI was performed using the 1,5 T.

RESULTS

MRI-defecography revealed the following changes: anismus (16), rectocele (12), pelvic floor dysfunction (6), peritoneocele (2), cervical-cystic-ptosis (1), rectal prolapse (6), and in 1 case the examination was normal. Hypertonic anal sphincter (16) and lack of defecation reflex (12) at anorectal manometry correlated with anismus in all patients at MRI-defecography. Lack of inhibitor anal reflex (6) was associated with rectocele (4), cervix-cysto-ptosis (1) and peritoneocele (2). Anxiety (11), depression (6) and anxiety-depressive disorders (10) were found in 27/44, somatization disorders in 9/44 and no psychiatric changes in 8/44 cases.

CONCLUSION

As multiparous women are at risk for outlet obstruction constipation, MRI-defecography is suggested in this category. There is good correlation between diagnosis using anorectal manometry and MRI-defecography in patients with terminal constipation and anismus. Lower defecation dysfunction is often associated with psychiatric disorders.

Comparison of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Defecography With Clinical Examination in Diagnosing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is frequently reported in both sexes. Dynamic magnetic resonance defecography (DMRD) is the preferred modality, mainly due to its superiority and complementary role in clinical examination. However, studies from the perspective of Indian patients are scarce and mostly restricted to females. Thus, we assessed the diagnostic performance of DMRD in patients with PFD and correlated the findings with those on clinical examination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, observational study involved 57 adult patients of either sex, presenting with pelvic floor symptoms (PFS) and diagnosed with PFD. Initially, the patients underwent clinical examination, and diagnosis was recorded. Subsequently, the patients were subjected to DMRD. The findings were correlated with the Pearson "r" correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

A significantly greater proportion of patients had involvement of multiple compartments (36 vs. 12, p<0.001), cystocele (23 vs. 8, p=0.002), and rectal prolapse (25 vs. 14, p=0.030) on DMRD than clinical examination, while there was no significant difference regarding uterine prolapse (p=0.789). Grading of cystocele and rectal prolapse as well as diagnosis of enterocele/peritoneocele, rectocele, and intussusception could be done only with DMRD. DMRD had a strong and significant correlation with clinical examination regarding cystocele (r=0.943, p=0.003), uterine prolapse (r=0.972, p=0.001), and rectal prolapse (r=0.951, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DMRD demonstrated significantly better performance in the diagnosis of multiple compartment involvement, cystocele, and rectal prolapse. DMRD and clinical examination were significantly correlated regarding the diagnosis of cystocele, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse. Thus, DMRD provides information, in addition to the clinical examination, and should be used in symptomatic patients.

[Imaging of the pelvic floor (MR defecography) : The surgeon's perspective]

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) plays a central role in diagnosing pelvic floor functional disorders by visualizing the entire pelvic floor along with pelvic organs and providing functional assessment of the defecation process. A shared understanding between radiology and surgery regarding indications and interpretation of findings is crucial for optimal utilization of MRD.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to explain the indications for MRD from a surgical perspective and elucidate the significance of radiological findings for treatment. It intends to clarify for which symptoms MRD is appropriate and which criteria should be followed for standardized results. This is prerequisite to develop interdisciplinary therapeutic approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted, including current consensus guidelines.

RESULTS

MRD can provide relevant findings in the diagnosis of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome, particularly in cases of pelvic floor descent, enterocele, intussusception, and pelvic floor dyssynergia. However, rectocele findings in MRD should be interpreted with caution in order to avoid overdiagnosis.

CONCLUSION

MRD findings should never be considered in isolation but rather in conjunction with patient history, clinical examination, and symptomatology since morphology and functional complaints may not always correlate, and there is wide variance of normal values. Interdisciplinary interpretation of MRD results involving radiology, surgery, gynecology, and urology, preferably in the context of pelvic floor conferences, is recommended.

Diagnostic performance of dynamic MR defecography in assessment of dyssynergic defecation

PURPOSE

To assess diagnostic performance of MR defecographic findings in diagnosis of dyssynergic defecation (DD).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 46 patients with chronic constipation who met the Rome IV criteria for diagnosis of present or absent DD and underwent MRI between Jan 2015 and June 2020. Patients were divided into DD group (n = 24) and non-DD group (n = 22). Nine parameters were analyzed by two radiologists: anorectal angle (ARA) and M line at rest, defecation, and change between 2 phases; anal canal width; prominent puborectalis muscle; abnormal evacuation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to extract the optimal cut-offs and area under the curve (AUC). Multivariate analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Seven findings showed statistically significant difference between DD and non-DD groups. M line at defecation had highest odds ratio, followed by ARA change, ARA at defecation, M line change, prominent puborectalis muscle, abnormal evacuation and anal canal width, respectively. ARA change and prominent puborectalis muscle had highest specificity (95.5% and 100%, respectively). The optimal cut-offs of ARA at defecation, ARA change, M line at defecation, M line change and anal canal width were 122°, 1.5°, 3.25 cm, 1.9 cm and 8.5 mm, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression revealed two significant findings in differentiating between DD and non-DD, including M line at defecation (OR 23.31, 95% CI 3.10-175.32) and ARA at defecation (OR 13.63, 95% CI 1.94-95.53) with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and AUC of 79.2%, 95.5%, 95%, 80.8% and 0.87(95% CI 0.78-0.97), respectively.

CONCLUSION

MR defecography has high diagnostic performance in diagnosis of DD. Although M line and ARA at defecation are two significant findings on multivariate analysis, ARA change less than 1.5 degrees and prominent puborectalis muscle have good specificity in DD diagnosis.

Static and Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Correlation With Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification

BACKGROUND

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is clinically assessed and staged commonly by the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic floor is an emerging modality for anatomical and functional assessment of the pelvic floor and staging of POP. The purpose of this study was to correlate the dynamic MRI findings with POP-Q examination for the staging of POP in each pelvic compartment by comparing various anatomic points.

METHODS

A prospective observational study of the comparative cross-sectional design was conducted among patients who underwent MRI of the pelvic floor and POP-Q at our institute. A total of 50 patients were included. Anatomical landmarks in the three compartments were analyzed in relation to standard reference lines on dynamic MRI and compared with POP-Q measurements.

RESULTS

Most of our patients had multicompartment disease (70%). When compared to POP-Q, MRI has a strong correlation for quantification of anterior (0.723) and middle (0.525) compartments and a weak correlation (0.232) for posterior compartment prolapse.

CONCLUSION

POP-Q examination is based on the various points within the vaginal canal, and all the points do not represent a true anatomic landmark. MRI, on the other hand, is based on a true anatomical plane and gives detailed information about various structures in all three compartments. Thus, MRI also helps bridge the gap between various referring specialties in treating pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic organ movements in asymptomatic nulliparous and symptomatic premenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse in dynamic MRI: a feasibility study comparing midsagittal single-slice with multi-slice sequences

PURPOSE

To compare multi-slice (MS) MRI sequences of the pelvis acquired at rest and straining to dynamic midsagittal single-slice (SS) sequences for the assessment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

This IRB-approved prospective single-center feasibility study included 23 premenopausal symptomatic patients with POP and 22 asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers. MRI of the pelvis at rest and straining was performed with midsagittal SS and MS sequences. Straining effort, visibility of organs and POP grade were scored on both. Organ points (bladder, cervix, anorectum) were measured. Differences between SS and MS sequences were compared with Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

Straining effort was good in 84.4% on SS and in 64.4% on MS sequences (p = 0.003). Organ points were always visible on MS sequences, whereas the cervix was not fully visible in 31.1-33.3% on SS sequences. At rest, there were no statistically significant differences of organ point measurements between SS and MS sequences in symptomatic patients. At straining, positions of bladder, cervix, and anorectum were + 1.1 cm (± 1.8 cm), - 0.7 cm (± 2.9 cm), and + 0.7 cm (± 1.3 cm) on SS and + 0.4 mm (± 1.7 cm), - 1.4 cm (± 2.6 cm), and + 0.4 cm (± 1.3 cm) on MS sequences (p < 0.05). Only 2 cases of higher-grade POP were missed on MS sequences (both with poor straining effort).

CONCLUSION

MS sequences increase the visibility of organ points compared to SS sequences. Dynamic MS sequences can depict POP if images are acquired with sufficient straining effort. Further work is needed to optimize the depiction of the maximum straining effort with MS sequences.

Vaginal tactile imaging: A review

Vaginal Tactile Imaging is a novel technology that creates a visual map of the female pelvic floor based on its biomechanical properties. The vaginal tactile imager is a medical device built on this technology to assist clinicians in diagnosis and prognosis of pelvic floor conditions and treatment from detailed characterization of vaginal tissue elasticity, pelvic support and function. This information is presented in the form of tactile images, a format in which pressure mapping is combined with spatial dimensions. The dynamic pressure patterns are combined using two opposing areas along the vaginal walls during Valsalva maneuver, voluntary and reflex muscle contraction, and involuntary relaxation. Based on these measurements, the biomechanical integrity score of the pelvic floor was developed and introduced to facilitate clinical interpretation of the complex data. This article begins with a brief overview of the tactile imaging for a broad spectrum of applications, clinical research findings and their respective impact. Then the article focuses on the evolution of the technology and its progressive development for the female pelvic floor disorders characterization and diagnostics, including evaluation of surgical intervention. Finally, future possibilities for tactile imaging are discussed, including applications in obstetrics and a fusion with ultrasound imaging.

Fractional carbon dioxide vaginal laser treatment of stress urinary incontinence: Remodeling of vaginal tissues and improving pelvic floor structures

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate remodeling of vaginal biomechanical and physiological properties using vaginal fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) laser treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study cohort included 26 patients with SUI between October 2019 and November 2020. Patients were treated with two sessions of FemTouch vaginal fractional CO₂ laser with a one-month interval. Three subjective assessments were administered to all patients: female sexual function index (FSFI), vaginal health index score (VHIS), and international consultation on incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICIQ-SF). Vaginal tissue biopsies were taken from 6 patients before treatment and one-month after the final treatment. Vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) measurements, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed before treatment and 10-12-months after treatment in 10, 9, and 6 patients, respectively.

RESULTS

The average age of the cohort was 39.5 ± 12.0 years. The overall scores for FSFI, VHIS, and ICIQ-SF significantly improved in patients after each treatment sessions as compared with baseline scores. VTI showed significantly increased pressure resistance of both the anterior and posterior vaginal walls after treatment. Ultrasonography showed significant decreases in bladder neck mobility and urethrovesical angle during the Valsalva maneuver after treatment. MRI scans showed significant decreases in the length of the vaginal anterior wall after treatment. Histological examination confirmed that the laser treatment led to a thicker stratified squamous epithelium layer as compared to the baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that vaginal fractional CO₂ laser treatment can restore vaginal biomechanical and physiological properties by increasing vaginal tightening and improving pelvic floor structures.

Longitudinal changes in pelvic organ support among primiparas with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse: A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging study

OBJECTIVE

To quantify morphological changes of pelvic floor in primiparas with postpartum pelvic organ prolapse (POP) during the early postpartum period.

METHODS

A total of 309 primiparas underwent pelvic floor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 weeks postpartum. Those primiparas diagnosed with postpartum POP by MRI criterion were followed up at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Normal primiparas were enrolled in the control group. The puborectal hiatus line, muscular pelvic floor relaxation line, levator hiatus area, iliococcygeus angle, levator plate angle, uterus-pubococcygeal line, and bladder-pubococcygeal line were assessed on MRI. Longitudinal changes in pelvic floor measurements between the two groups were compared by repeated-measures analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, enlarged puborectal hiatus line, levator hiatus area, and RICA and decreased uterus-pubococcygeal line were observed at rest in the POP group (all P < 0.05). All of the pelvic floor measurements were significantly different in the POP group compared with the control group at the maximum Valsalva maneuver (all P < 0.05). All of the pelvic floor measurements showed no significant change over time in both the POP and control groups (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Postpartum POP accompanied by poor pelvic floor support will persist in the early postpartum period.

The added value of conventional defecography and MRI defecography in clinical decision making on treatment for posterior compartment prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Conventional defecography and MRI defecography can be requested as an additional test for diagnosing and differentiating the type of posterior compartment prolapse and/or obstructive defecation disorders. The objective of this study was to determine the added value of conventional defecography, conventional defecography and MRI defecography for clinical decision-making on treatment for patients with posterior compartment prolapse.

METHODS

Four gynecologists were asked to fill in their treatment plan per patient for 32 cases for three different steps. Step 1 consisted of information on the anamnesis and physical examination (POP-Q). Step 2 consisted of Step 1, including conventional defecography (group A) or MRI defecography (group B). In Step 3, all gynecologists received the information on Step 1 including both conventional defecography and MRI defecography. Data analysis solely focused on the assessment of changes in the gynecological treatment plan of the posterior compartment.

RESULTS

After Step 2 a change in treatment plan occurred in 37% and 48% of the women in groups A and B, respectively. Accordingly, after Step 3 (including all imaging data), a change in treatment plan occurred in 19% and 52% of the women in groups A and B, respectively. A change within the surgery group (when a different type of surgery was selected) was seen for a total of 11 cases in group A and 20 in group B in all steps combined.

CONCLUSIONS

Both conventional defecography and MRI defecography had an large effect on the treatment plan for patients with posterior compartment prolapse. The dedicated added value of the imaging modality individually cannot be concluded yet.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging evaluation before and after operation for pelvic organ prolapse

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the value of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after operation for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with POP (POP group) before and one month after surgery and 12 healthy women (control group) underwent static and dynamic MRI at rest and during straining (Valsalva maneuver). The preoperative MRI images of the POP and control groups were analyzed, and various measurements were recorded. Differences in measurements were compared between the POP and control groups; similarly, changes in measurements before and after operation were compared.

RESULTS

In the POP group, MRI detected 29 anterior vaginal prolapses, 27 uterine prolapses, 1 rectoceles, and 14 pouch of Douglas hernias. In addition, 27 levator ani muscle defect and 15 pubocervical fascial defect cases were observed. The bladder-pubococcygeal line (B-PCL), uterus-pubococcygeal line (U-PCL), Douglas pouch-pubococcygeal line, the length of the hiatus, the descent of the levator plate, levator hiatus size, levator plate angle, iliococcygeus angle, and urethral inclination angle (UA) were larger in the POP group than in the control group. The pelvic organs' positions returned to normal postoperatively in 9 of 21 cases. The B-PCL, U-PCL, and UA were smaller post-surgery than pre-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Static and dynamic MRI can comprehensively evaluate morphological and functional changes of the pelvic floor postoperatively.

The Most Common Functional Disorders and Factors Affecting Female Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor (PF) is made of muscles, ligaments, and fascia, which ensure organ statics, maintain muscle tone, and are involved in contractions. This review describes the myofascial relationships of PF with other parts of the body that determine the proper functions of PF, and also provides insight into PF disorders and the factors contributing to them. PF plays an important role in continence, pelvic support, micturition, defecation, sexual function, childbirth, and locomotion, as well as in stabilizing body posture and breathing, and cooperates with the diaphragm and postural muscles. In addition, PF associates with distant parts of the body, such as the feet and neck, through myofascial connections. Due to tissue continuity, functional disorders of muscles, ligaments, and fascia, even in the areas that are distant from PF, will lead to PF disorders, including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and pain. Dysfunctions of PF will also affect the rest of the body.

Consensus Definitions and Interpretation Templates for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Defecatory Pelvic Floor Disorders: Proceedings of the Consensus Meeting of the Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the Society of Abdominal Radiology, the International Continence Society, the American Urogynecologic Society, the International Urogynecological Association, and the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons

The Pelvic Floor Disorders Consortium (PFDC) is a multidisciplinary organization of colorectal surgeons, urogynecologists, urologists, gynecologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, physiotherapists, and other advanced care practitioners. Specialists from these fields are all dedicated to the diagnosis and management of patients with pelvic floor conditions, but they approach, evaluate, and treat such patients with their own unique perspectives given the differences in their respective training. The PFDC was formed to bridge gaps and enable collaboration between these specialties. The goal of the PFDC is to develop and evaluate educational programs, create clinical guidelines and algorithms, and promote high quality of care in this unique patient population. The recommendations included in this article represent the work of the PFDC Working Group on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Pelvic Floor Disorders (members listed alphabetically in Table 1). The objective was to generate inclusive, rather than prescriptive, guidance for all practitioners, irrespective of discipline, involved in the evaluation and treatment of patients with pelvic floor disorders.

Obstructed Defecation Symptom Severity and Degree of Rectal Hypermobility and Folding Detected by Dynamic Ultrasound

ABSTRACT

We used dynamic pelvic floor ultrasound to investigate the relationship between obstructed defecation symptom (ODS) severity and the degree of rectal hypermobility/folding. In this retrospective study, women who presented with ODS from October 2017 to January 2019 and underwent an interview, pelvic examination, and pelvic floor ultrasound were recruited. Patients were diagnosed with abdominal constipation, dyssynergia, or pelvic constipation. Pelvic constipation patients were categorized based on their reported frequency of incomplete emptying of stool (<50% or ≥50% of bowel movements) representing mild and severe ODS, respectively. Using dynamic ultrasound, rectal hypermobility was quantified via rectovaginal septum length at rest and Valsalva and its compression ratio, where shorter lengths and larger compression ratios are indicative of increased rectal hypermobility. One hundred twenty-one patients (41 with abdominal constipation, 7 with dyssynergia, and 73 with pelvic constipation) were included. Compression ratios were higher in women with severe versus mild ODS (17.36 ± 16.89 vs 36.38 ± 25.82, P = 0.0039). The risk of having severe symptoms was 4 times greater (odds ratio = 4.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.4 to 12.6, P = 0.01) among those with a high compression ratio (≥20%) after controlling for age, body mass index, and levator plate descent angle. Incomplete emptying was weakly, positively, linearly correlated with rectal hypermobility/folding (r = -0.2724, -0.3767 to 0.3922, and P = 0.0197, 0.0010, 0.0006, respectively). Women with more severe ODS experienced more rectal hypermobility/folding as measured via dynamic ultrasound-a cheaper, effective alternative to magnetic resonance defecography for evaluation of obstructed defecation.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries: New Evidence and Perspectives

Perineal injury during childbirth is a common event with important morbidity associated in particular with third-and-fourth degree perineal tears (also referred to as obstetric anal sphincter injuries-OASIS). Early diagnosis of these damages is mandatory to define a prompt therapeutic strategy and thus avoid the development of late-onset consequences, such as faecal incontinence. For this purpose, various diagnostic exams can be performed after a thorough clinical examination. The management of OASIS includes several measures and should be individualized according to the timing and features of the clinical presentation.

MR defecography review

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a relatively common but often complex condition, presenting with a variety of clinical symptoms, especially when it involves multiple compartments. Clinical exam alone is often inadequate and requires a complementary imaging study. Magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) is an excellent noninvasive diagnostic study with its multiplanar capability, lack of ionizing radiation and excellent soft tissue resolution. It can identify both anatomic and functional abnormalities in the pelvic floor and specifically excels in its ability to simultaneously detect multicompartmental pathology and help with vital pre-operative assessment. This manuscript reviews the relevant anatomical landmarks, describes the optimal technique, highlights an approach to the interpretation of MRD, and provides an overview of the various pelvic floor disorders in the different anatomical compartments.

Statistical shape modeling of the pelvic floor to evaluate women with obstructed defecation symptoms

Obstructed defecation (OD) is common and may be related to compromised pelvic floor integrity. Magnetic resonance (MR) defecography and statistical shape modeling were used to define pelvic floor shape variations, hypothesizing that State (rest vs peak evacuation) and Group (control vs case) would significantly influence shape. 16 women underwent MR defecography (9 cases vs 7 controls). Midsagittal, 2D pelvic floors were segmented and aligned by corresponding points. Principal component scores were compared using a Two-Way Mixed MANOVA. Three modes described differences between State (p < 0.001) and Group (p = 0.023). The pelvic floor shape differed significantly between women with and without OD and during evacuation.

Advances in MR Imaging of the Female Pelvis

This article focuses on advanced MR imaging techniques of the female pelvis and clinical applications for benign and malignant disease. General and abbreviated protocols for female pelvic MR imaging are reviewed. Diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging are discussed in the context of adnexal mass characterization using the ADNEx-MR scoring system, evaluation of endometriosis, local staging of cervical and endometrial cancers, assessment of nodal and peritoneal metastasis, and potential detection of leiomyosarcoma. MR defecography is also discussed regarding evaluation of multicompartmental pelvic floor disorders.