Value of high-frequency two-dimensional ultrasound on evaluating puborectalis muscle

To explore the value of high-frequency two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound on demonstrating the morphology of puborectalis muscle and detect muscle avulsion.

High-frequency 2D ultrasound and tomographic ultrasound image (TUI) were peformed to demonstrate puborectalis muscle and detect muscle avulsion respectively among 158 women with or without significant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (POP quantification grade 2 or higher). Mean values were compared using student's t test between women with or without avulsion defects. We performed Cohen's Kappa analysis to examine the test agreement between high-frequency 2D ultrasound and TUI mode. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the thickness of puborectalis muscle and the measurements of levator-urethra gap (LUG).

The result of high-frequency 2D ultrasound in detecting muscle avulsion agreed well with TUI mode (Kappa 0.88, P < 0.05). Women with muscle avulsion had thinner muscles and larger LUG measurements than those with normal muscle insertion (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed the negative relationship between the thickness of puborectalis muscle and LUG measurements (r = - 0.73).

The study confirmed that it was feasible to observe the morphology of puborectalis muscle and detect muscle avulsion by high-frequency 2D ultrasound.