Association between elastography findings of the levator ani and stress urinary incontinence - 16/03/21

Doi : 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101906

Huan Yu ^a,^{^{1
The first 2 authors contributed equally to this article.}}, Huamin Zheng ^a,^{^{1
The first 2 authors contributed equally to this article.}}, Xuyin Zhang ^b, Yuqing Zhou ^c,^⁎ , Meng Xie ^a,^⁎
^a Department of Ultrasound, 128 Shen yang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China
^b Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, 128 Shen yang Road, Shanghai, 200090, China
^c Department of Ultrasound, Changning Maternity& Infant Health Hospital, 786 Yuyuan Road, Shanghai 200040, China

^⁎Corresponding authors.

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Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the elasticity of the levator ani musle (LAM) with the patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by transperineal elastography.

Methods

Conventional transperineal ultrasound and elastography were performed in the patients with SUI on quiescent condition and maximal Valsalva. Transperineal ultrasound and elastography were repeated after Kegel exercises. The scoring system and strain ratio (SR) values were recorded and analyzed.

Results

After Kegel exercises, the ratio of subjective improvement or cure was 81 % (102/126). Mean elasticity score (ES) and SR of LAM were significantly higher than the value before on maximal Valsalva, respectively. Mean ES and SR of LAM after Kegel exercises were similar with the value before on quiescent condition, respectively.

Conclusion

The improvement of SUI was associated with the stiffer LAM assessed by elastography. Women with SUI who have softer LAM were more likely to have symptoms of SUI and Kegel exercise could strengthen the stiffness of LAM.