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Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
Pelvic architectural distortion is associated with pelvic organ prolapse
Markus Huebner1, Rebecca U Margulies, John O L DeLancey
1Pelvic Floor Research Group, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between architectural distortion seen on magnetic resonance (MR) scans (lateral "spill" of the vagina and posterior extension of the space of Retzius) and pelvic organ prolapse. Secondary analysis of MR imaging scans from a case-control study of women with prolapse (maximum point > or = + 1 cm; N = 144) and normal controls (maximum point < or = -1 cm; N= 126) was done. Two independent investigators, blinded to prolapse status and previously established levator-defect scores, determined the presence of architectural distortion on axial MR scans. Women were categorized into three groups based on levator defects and architectural distortion. Among the three groups, women with levator defects and architectural distortion have the highest proportion of prolapse (78%; p < 0.001). Among women with levator defects, those with prolapse had an odds ratio of 2.2 for the presence of architectural distortion (95% CI = 1.1-4.6). Pelvic organ prolapse is associated with the presence of visible architectural distortion on MR scans.
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