Translabial Ultrasound Combined With Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessing the Distensibility of Levator Ani Muscle With Unilateral High-Grade Tears

This study aimed to investigate how a unilateral high-grade tear caused overdistension of LAM and whether tear positions affect the degree of distension. Methods A total of 209 women were screened by translabial ultrasonography. Then, 18 nulliparous women with an intact LAM and 26 postpartum women with unilateral levator ani defects were recruited. The anteroposterior diameter (AP), coronal diameter (LR), and hiatal area (HA) of the minimum levator hiatus were recorded and compared for assessing the distensibility. All 44 subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of levator ani defect and detection of tear positions. Within the software, 3-dimensional pelvic models were developed from magnetic resonance imaging scans for the direct visualization and measurements. Results Of the 26 postpartum women, 15 were diagnosed with unilateral high-grade tear (caudad in 9, cephalad in 6). The △AP, △LR, and △HA (Valsalva-rest) values of women with a unilateral high-grade tear were significantly larger than those of women with an intact LAM (P
Source: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery - Category: OBGYN Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research