Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
07:41
Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
10.3K
Quantifying Levator Ani Muscle Elasticity Under Normal and Prolapse Conditions by Shear Wave Elastography: A
Jin-Hua Tang1, Chen Zhong2, Wei Wen2
1Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai General Hospital of NanJing Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Summary
Shear wave elastography (SWE) reveals differences in levator ani muscle (LAM) elasticity between women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). LAM elasticity is linked to prolapse severity and levator hiatus dimensions.
Area of Science:
- Pelvic floor biomechanics
- Medical imaging
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
Background:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects many women, impacting quality of life.
- Understanding the biomechanical properties of the levator ani muscle (LAM) is crucial for POP diagnosis and treatment.
- Current methods for assessing pelvic floor muscle function have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare levator ani muscle (LAM) elasticity using shear wave elastography (SWE) in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
- To investigate the association between LAM elasticity, prolapse stage, and levator hiatus dimensions.
- To evaluate the reliability of SWE for LAM elasticity measurements.
Main Methods:
- Transperineal 3D ultrasound and SWE were used to measure LAM elasticity and elastic modulus in 58 women (20 controls, 38 with POP stages I-III).
- Measurements were taken at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver.
- Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed.
Main Results:
- Elastic modulus significantly increased from rest to Valsalva maneuver in all women.
- LAM elasticity was higher at rest in women with POP compared to controls but lower during maximal Valsalva.
- LAM elasticity at rest correlated with levator hiatus area and distensibility during Valsalva, and with prolapse severity.
Conclusions:
- Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a noninvasive quantitative method to assess pelvic floor muscle biomechanical properties.
- SWE may aid in understanding POP, its treatment, and prevention strategies.
- Findings support SWE's potential role in clinical assessment of pelvic floor disorders.
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