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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 9/2015

01-09-2015 | Original Article

Can 3D power Doppler identify levator ani vascularization at its pubic insertion?

Authors: Dr. J. Cassadó Garriga, L. Quintas Marques, A. Pessarrodona Isern, E. López Quesada, M. Rodriguez Carballeira, A. Badia Carrasco

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 9/2015

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The levator ani is the most important muscle in the pelvic floor. This pilot study using 3D power Doppler aimed to identify normal vascularization of the puborectalis/pubovisceralis muscle at its insertion in nulliparous and premenopausal women.

Methods

Forty nulliparous and premenopausal women were evaluated at the Gynecological Unit of a tertiary hospital. All women underwent a translabial ultrasound (US) with 3D power Doppler. Pubic insertion of the puborectalis/pubovisceralis muscle was assessed in the axial plane, and vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization-flow index (VFI) were calculated bilaterally. Volumes were analyzed offline by two independent observers, and interobserver agreement and correlation between variables was calculated.

Results

A high, statistically significant, correlation was found between the three US indices on each side (p < 0.005). No correlation was found between the US index and either of the demographic parameters of body mass index [(BMI), p > 0.241], or age (p > 0.398). The degree of correlation between the same index on the different sides was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Puborectalis/pubovisceralis muscle vascularization at its insertion can be identified using 3D Doppler US, but values differ substantially from those of the contralateral side.
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Metadata
Title
Can 3D power Doppler identify levator ani vascularization at its pubic insertion?
Authors
Dr. J. Cassadó Garriga
L. Quintas Marques
A. Pessarrodona Isern
E. López Quesada
M. Rodriguez Carballeira
A. Badia Carrasco
Publication date
01-09-2015
Publisher
Springer London
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 9/2015
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2689-6

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