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Dynamic imaging of the pelvic floor using an open‐configuration magnetic resonance scanner
Author(s) -
Law P. A.,
Danin J. C.,
Lamb G. M.,
Regan L.,
Darzi A.,
Gedroyc W. M.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.1132
Subject(s) - magnetic resonance imaging , scanner , pelvic floor , radiology , medicine , nuclear magnetic resonance , computer science , physics , anatomy , artificial intelligence
Abstract The aims of this study were to develop a noninvasive, erect, gravity‐dependent method for assessing movements of the female pelvic floor, to describe the range of movements in pelvic floor ascent and descent in asymptomatic and symptomatic women, and to quantify any differences. A total of 102 women, 28–86 years of age, 35 symptomatic and 67 asymptomatic, were included in the study. They were scanned in a sitting position in an open scanner with good vertical access using fast‐gradient echo sequences fast spoiled grass (FSPGR). Measurements of the bladder base, uterocervical junction, and anorectal junction were taken in the sagittal plane. The levator ani (LA) muscle insertion was assessed in the coronal plane with the patients at rest, during maximal strain, and during maximum contraction of the pelvic floor. Premenopausal multiparous women have a significantly lower bladder base (8/0 mm above the baseline; P value = 0.009) and uterocervical junction (15.5/3.5 mm; P value = 0.03) at rest than nulliparous women, and this becomes more apparent on straining. Parity confers a more significant effect on the position and function of the pelvic floor than menopausal status. All pelvic organs are lower at rest and on straining in women with defecation difficulties (0/–24 mm; P value = 0.001). These differences are also seen when comparing women with and without urinary incontinence. Dynamic seated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows that all the pelvic organs are lower at rest and on straining in multiparous women and in those with urinary incontinence than in a group of asymptomatic nulliparous volunteers. This difference is also seen in the position of the bladder base and anorectal junction during pelvic floor contraction. These findings suggest general pelvic floor weakness in women who present with symptoms in one compartment and indicate the need for evaluation of the entire pelvic floor particularly prior to surgery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;13:923–929. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.