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Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
The analysis of different types of anorectal abscesses was conducted using the MRI 3D reconstruction technique
Xutao Ma1, Yikun Li1, Siming Xu1
1Proctology Department, Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.725 South Wanping Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Abstract:
It has not yet been proven whether sepsis affects the tissue around the anal canal. To address this issue, we established three-dimensional models for various types of anorectal abscesses and utilize 3D reconstruction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans to assess the extent of muscle damage caused by anorectal abscesses. Patients diagnosed with anorectal abscess, selected from January 2019 to January 2022 underwent pre- and post-operative scanning of pelvic floor and perianal tissues. The aforementioned structures were segmented for the reconstruction of a three-dimensional visual model and measurement of volumes for the abscess as well as the internal and external sphincters and levator ani muscle. The study included a total of 42 patients. Three-dimensional visualization models were created for different types of anorectal abscesses, including perianal, intersphincteric, ischiorectal, and supralevator abscesses. No statistically significant differences were observed in the volume of the internal sphincter, external sphincter, and levator ani muscle between pre- and post-operative patients. The 3D model of anorectal abscess, reconstructed from MRI data, offers a precise and direct visualization of the anatomical structures associated with various types of anorectal abscesses. The infection did not result in any damage to the internal and external anal sphincter and levator ani muscle.
Insights
Sepsis does not appear to damage anal canal tissues. Three-dimensional models of anorectal abscesses showed no significant changes in sphincter or levator ani muscle volumes post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Anorectal abscesses are common, but their impact on surrounding anal canal tissues remains unclear.
- Sepsis, a severe infection, can affect various organs, yet its specific effects on perianal structures require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential damage of anorectal abscesses to the anal canal tissues, including the internal and external sphincters and levator ani muscle.
- To utilize three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to assess muscle damage in patients with anorectal abscesses.
Main Methods:
- Established 3D models of various anorectal abscess types (perianal, intersphincteric, ischiorectal, supralevator).
- Performed pre- and post-operative MRI scans on 42 patients diagnosed with anorectal abscess.
- Segmented pelvic floor and perianal tissues to create 3D visual models and measure muscle volumes.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found in the volumes of the internal sphincter, external sphincter, and levator ani muscle between pre- and post-operative scans.
- 3D models provided precise visualization of anatomical structures related to different anorectal abscess types.
- The study found no evidence of damage to the internal and external anal sphincters or the levator ani muscle due to anorectal abscess infection.
Conclusions:
- Anorectal abscesses, as visualized by 3D MRI models, do not cause significant damage to the anal sphincters or levator ani muscle.
- The findings suggest that sepsis associated with anorectal abscesses does not lead to clinically significant muscle damage in the anal canal.
