Name: quantification of levator ani hiatus enlargement by magnetic resonance imaging in males and females with pelvic organ prolapse
Uploaded: 2019-04-17T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse at JoVE.com

The authors are especially indebted to nurses Paola Garavello and Giulia Melara, for their valuable assistance during the examinations.

Procedures involving human subjects have been performed according to the National Guidelines of the Italian Radiological Society
1. Patient preparation
<ol>
	<li>Help patients to fill in a form which provides information on their history, current symptoms, treatments (either medical or surgical), and prior medical records, if any.</li>
	<li>Obtain each patient&#39;s written consent before beginning the examination.</li>
	<li>Clearly explain in advance the characteristics and purpose of the p...

<ol>
	<li>DeLancey, J. O. L., Hurd, W. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Size+of+the+urogenital+hiatus+in+the+levator+ani+muscles+in+normal+women+and+women+with+pelvic+organ+prolapse.">Size of the urogenital hiatus in the levator ani muscles in normal women and women with pelvic organ prolapse.</a> Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology. 91 (3), 364-368 (1998).</li><li>Siproudhis, L., Ropert, A., Vilotte, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=How+accurate+is+clinical+examination+in+diagnosing+and+quantifying+pelvirectal+disorders?+A+prospective+study+in+a+group+of+50+patients+complaining+of+defecatory+difficulties.">How accurate is clinical examination in diagnosing and quantifying pelvirectal disorders? A prospective study in a group of 50 patients complaining of defecatory difficulties.</a> Diseases of the Colon &amp; Rectum. 36 (5), 430-438 (1993).</li><li>Maglinte, D. D. T., Kelvin, F. M., Fitzgerald, K., Hale, D. S., Benson, J. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Association+of+compartment+defects+in+pelvic+floor+dysfunction.">Association of compartment defects in pelvic floor dysfunction.</a> American Journal of Roentgenology. 172 (2), 439-444 (1999).</li><li>Dietz, H. P., Jarvis, S. K., Vancaillie, T. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+assessment+of+Levator+muscle+strength:+a+validation+of+three+ultrasound+techniques.">The assessment of Levator muscle strength: a validation of three ultrasound techniques.</a> International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. 13 (3), 156-159 (2002).</li><li>Dietz, H. P., Shek, C., Clarcke, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biometry+of+the+pubovisceral+muscle+and+levator+hiatus+by+three-dimensional+pelvic+floor+ultrasound.">Biometry of the pubovisceral muscle and levator hiatus by three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound.</a> Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology. 25 (6), 580-585 (2005).</li><li>Yang, A., Mostwin, J. L., Rosenhein, N. B., Zerhouni, E. 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C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Patterns+of+prolapse+in+women+with+symptoms+of+pelvic+floor+weakness:+assessment+with+MR+imaging.">Patterns of prolapse in women with symptoms of pelvic floor weakness: assessment with MR imaging.</a> Radiology. 203 (1), 77-81 (1997).</li><li>Comiter, C. V., Vasavada, S. P., Barbaric, Z. L., Gousse, A. E., Raz, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Grading+pelvic+prolapse+and+pelvic+floor+relaxation+using+dynamic+magnetic+resonance+imaging.">Grading pelvic prolapse and pelvic floor relaxation using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.</a> Urology. 54 (3), 454-457 (1999).</li><li>Kelvin, F. M., Maglinte, D. D. T., Hale, D. S., Benson, J. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Female+pelvic+organ+prolapse:+a+comparison+of+triphasic+dynamic+MR+imaging+and+triphasic+fluoroscopic+cystocolpoproctography.">Female pelvic organ prolapse: a comparison of triphasic dynamic MR imaging and triphasic fluoroscopic cystocolpoproctography.</a> American Journal of Roentgenology. 174 (1), 81-88 (2000).</li><li>Pannu, H. K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamic+MR+imaging+of+pelvis+organ+prolapse:+spectrum+of+abnormalities.">Dynamic MR imaging of pelvis organ prolapse: spectrum of abnormalities.</a> RadioGraphics. 20 (6), 1567-1582 (2000).</li><li>Hoyte, L., Ratiu, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Linear+measurements+in+2-dimen&#172;sional+pelvic+floor+imaging:+the+impact+of+slice+tilt+angles+on+measurement+reproducibility.">Linear measurements in 2-dimen&#172;sional pelvic floor imaging: the impact of slice tilt angles on measurement reproducibility.</a> American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 185 (3), 537-544 (2001).</li><li>Tunn, R., DeLancey, J. O. L., Quint, E. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Visibility+of+pelvic+organ+support+system+structures+in+magnetic+resonance+images+without+an+endovaginal+coil.">Visibility of pelvic organ support system structures in magnetic resonance images without an endovaginal coil.</a> American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 184 (6), 1156-1163 (2001).</li><li>Bump, R. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+standardization+of+terminology+of+female+pelvic+organ+prolapse+and+pelvic+floor+dysfunction.">The standardization of terminology of female pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction.</a> American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 175 (1), 10-17 (1996).</li><li>Haylen, B. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+inter-national+Urogynecological+Association+(IUGA)+/+International+Continence+Society+(ICS)+Joint+Report+on+the+Terminology+for+Female+Pelvic+Floor+Dysfunction.">An inter-national Urogynecological Association (IUGA) / International Continence Society (ICS) Joint Report on the Terminology for Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.</a> Neurology and Urodynamics. 29 (1), 4-20 (2009).</li><li>Fielding, J. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MR+imaging+of+pelvic+floor+continence+mechanisms+in+the+supine+and+sitting+positions.">MR imaging of pelvic floor continence mechanisms in the supine and sitting positions.</a> American Journal of Roentgenology. 171 (6), 1607-1610 (1998).</li><li>Bertschinger, K. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dynamic+MR+imaging+of+the+pelvic+floor+performed+with+patient+sitting+in+an+open-magnet+unit+versus+with+patient+supine+in+a+closed-magnet+unit.">Dynamic MR imaging of the pelvic floor performed with patient sitting in an open-magnet unit versus with patient supine in a closed-magnet unit.</a> Radiology. 223 (2), 501-508 (2002).</li><li>Piloni, V., Ambroselli, V., Nestola, M., Piloni, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantification+of+levator+ani+(LA)+hiatus+enlargement+and+pelvic+organs+impingement+on+Valsalva+maneuver+in+parous+and+nulliparous+women+with+obstructed+defecation+syndrome+(ODS):+a+biomechanical+perspective.">Quantification of levator ani (LA) hiatus enlargement and pelvic organs impingement on Valsalva maneuver in parous and nulliparous women with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS): a biomechanical perspective.</a> Pelviperineology. 35 (1), 25-31 (2016).</li><li>Piloni, V., Pierandrei, G., Pignalosa, F., Galli, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fusion+imaging+by+transperineal+sonography/magnetic+resonance+in+patients+with+fecal+blockade+syndrome.">Fusion imaging by transperineal sonography/magnetic resonance in patients with fecal blockade syndrome.</a> EC Gastroenterology and Digestive System. 5 (1), 11-16 (2018).</li><li>Piloni, V., Bergamasco, M., Melara, G., Garavello, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+clinical+value+of+magnetic+resonance+defecography+in+males+with+obstructed+defecation+syndrome.">The clinical value of magnetic resonance defecography in males with obstructed defecation syndrome.</a> Techniques in Coloproctology. 22 (3), 179-190 (2018).</li><li>Chanda, A., Unnikrishnan, V. U., Roy, S., Ricther, H. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Computational+modeling+of+the+female+pelvic+support+structures+and+organs+to+understand+the+mechanisms+of+pelvic+organ+prolapse:+a+review.">Computational modeling of the female pelvic support structures and organs to understand the mechanisms of pelvic organ prolapse: a review.</a> Applied Mechanics Reviews. 67 (4), 040801-040814 (2015).</li><li>Rostaminia, G., Abramowitch, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Finite+element+modeling+in+female+pelvic+floor+medicine:+a+literature+review.">Finite element modeling in female pelvic floor medicine: a literature review.</a> Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports. 4 (2), 125-131 (2015).</li></ol>

This method has an overt advantage over pelvic examinations that are limited to the assessment of the urogenital hiatus in only females. In contrast, the method presented here examines the entire levator ani hiatus in both sexes. Moreover, although easily examined by palpation by the gynecologist, the female hiatus can be calculated only approximately with a ruler, to produce the area of an oval1. Similarly, an advantage does exist over 2- and 3-D TPUS4,<sup clas...

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) develops when the forces acting inside the boundaries of levator ani hiatus are no longer counteracted by those outside, leading to abnormal enlargement and organ impingement. Several factors are responsible for the disease, including ligaments, fascia, or muscular tonic activity. Whatever the mechanism involved, the increased hiatus size has been credited with a reliable index to assess the inability to keep it closed. Usually, the status of pelvic support is determined in women during a pelvic examination1 by observing the location of the cervix, vaginal apex, and vaginal walls during the Valsalva maneuver. However, the inaccuracy of the method, combined with a failure to identify all involved sites2,3 and sex-related constrictions (female only), has led clinicians and researchers to seek alternative methods, namely diagnostic imaging.
Current methods for determining hiatus size include transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS)4,5 and, more recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Unfortunately, existing methods of performing the examination and measurement of individual parameters vary greatly among researchers6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13, making a comparison of study results difficult. Moreover, significant differences still exist in the definition and terminology of the most common pelvic descent processes, as well as in the classification and quantification of the adopted systems14,15.
This study highlights the advantages of MRI over other methods and describes the technical details and diagnostic criteria for the quantification of POP in patients of both sexes. In particular, the description focuses on the quantification of pelvic organs descent and levator ani hiatus enlargement when straining, with the patient supine, to demonstrate that the lack of a vertically oriented MR system16,17 (i.e., gravity will not adversely affect the detection of various changes associated with POP).

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>MR scanner</td>
			<td>Philips Medical Systems, High Tech Campus&#160; 37, 5656 AE, Eindhoven, 
			The Netherlands</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: 1.5 T horizontally oriented, Multiva model, SENSE XL Torso coil 
			Procedure: Position the patient in the left lateral decubitus on the diagnostic table with the coil warpped around the pelvis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Catheter</td>
			<td>Convatek ltd, First avenue Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2NU 
			UK</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Sterile vaginal catheter, 16 ch,180 mm long, 3 mm wide 
			Procedure: Gently insert the lubricated tip inside the anal canal for contrast administration with patients in the left side position</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Holder</td>
			<td>Kartell Plastilab, Artiglas Srl, Via Carrara Padua, Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Universal test-tube holder with multiple 13-mm holes 
			Procedure: Put 3 empty syringes vertically inside the holes with the outlet cone down</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe</td>
			<td>Pikdare Srl, Via Saldarini Catelli 10 , 22070 Casnate con Bernate (Como) Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Sterile, latex free,60 mL graduated transparent cylinder, catheter cone 
			Procedure: Fill with contrast, adjust the plunger and connect to the catheter</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Contrast</td>
			<td>Ceracarta SpA, Via Secondo Casadei 14 47122 Forl&#236; 
			Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Eco supergel not irritant, water soluble, salt free 
			Procedure: Dilute the content of each syringe adding 30 mL of tap water to 50 mL of acustic gel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mixer device</td>
			<td>Kaltek Srl, Via del Progresso 2 Padua 
			Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Kito-Brush for endovaginal sampling 
			Procedure: Rotate one full turn 10-20 times until obtaining an homogeneous gel</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pad</td>
			<td>Fater SpA, Via A. Volta 10, 65129 Pescara 
			Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Pad for incontinent subjects 
			Procedure: Wrap around patient&#39;s pelvis to collect any material and prevent diagnostic table contamination</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lubricant</td>
			<td>Molteni farmaceutici, Localit&#224; Granatieri Scandicci (Florence) 
			Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Luan gel 1% 
			Procedure: Apply on the tip of catheter before insertion</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Apron</td>
			<td>Mediberg Srl, via Vezze 16/18 Calcinate 24050 (Bergamo) 
			Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Kimono 
			Procedure: Put on counteriwise (opening back) to maintain patient&#39;s dignity</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gloves</td>
			<td>Gardening Srl, Via B. Bosco 15/10 16121 Genova 
			Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Description: Nitrile, latex free, no talcum powdered 
			Procedure: Wear during contrast preparation and catheter insertion; change regularly to prevent cross contamination</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

quantification of levator ani hiatus enlargement by magnetic resonance imaging in males and females with pelvic organ prolapse

Here we present a protocol to examine the levator ani hiatus in males and females with pelvic organ prolapse, during the Valsalva maneuver and while evacuating acoustic gel, using a horizontally oriented 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. On midsagittal images, the vertical distance of pelvic organs is measured in millimeters relative to the hymen plane (female) and to the lower border of the symphysis pubis (male), preceded by - (above) or + ( below) signs. On axial images, the levator ani area is calculated in square centimeters with a free-hand tracing method from three key images, passing through the midsymphysis (level I), tangential to the lower border of the symphysis (level II), and at the maximal anterior rectal wall bulging (level III). Areas at rest and strained are compared to find evidence of a percentage of increase. The purpose is to provide objective evidence of the maximal extent of pelvic organs descent and hiatus enlargement without the interference of foreign objects or the examiner&#39;s proximity, so as to overcome the limitations of pelvic examination and transperineal sonography (i.e., subjectivity and sex-related limitations [female only]).

Between 2012 and 2018, this protocol has been successfully adopted in three different diagnostic centers in Italy at an average cumulative rate of 30 &#177; 4 exams per month, using the same 1.5 T MR scanner model and technical settings (see Table 1 and Table of Materials). During this period, over 2,000 examinations have been performed in patients of both sexes for the following three main disease categories: pelvic organ prolapse and evacuation disturba...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse at JoVE.com

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Here we present a protocol to standardize the measurement of the levator ani hiatus size&#160;by magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose is to extract biomechanical inferences from image analysis by comparing resting and straining values in patients of both sexes with pelvic prolapse, using consistent anatomical bony landmarks.

Here we present a protocol to examine the levator ani hiatus in males and females with pelvic organ prolapse, during the Valsalva maneuver and while ...

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