Racial differences in pelvic floor muscle thickness in asymptomatic nulliparas as seen on magnetic resonance imaging–based three-dimensional color thickness mapping

Objective The objective of the study was to compare levator and obturator thickness between asymptomatic black and white nulliparas using three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) color mapping. Study Design 3D color-mapped MRI of pelvic muscles were evaluated in 22 similar nulliparas...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 2007-12, Vol.197 (6), p.625.e1-625.e4
Main Authors: Downing, Keith T., MD, MPA, Hoyte, Lennox P., MD, Warfield, Simon K., PhD, Weidner, Alison C., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
African Continental Ancestry Group
Biological and medical sciences
European Continental Ancestry Group
Female
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
levator ani morphology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Medical sciences
Muscles
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pelvic Floor - physiology
pelvic floor dysfunction
pelvic floor muscles
race
three-dimensional
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Summary:Objective The objective of the study was to compare levator and obturator thickness between asymptomatic black and white nulliparas using three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) color mapping. Study Design 3D color-mapped MRI of pelvic muscles were evaluated in 22 similar nulliparas (12 black, 10 white). Levator and obturator (OI) were divided into right and left. Levator was subdivided into puborectalis (PR) and ileococcygeus (IC) portions. Maximal thickness of each muscle was recorded and compared between groups. Nonparametric testing was applied, with significance at P = .05. Results Levator thickness was significantly greater in blacks bilaterally (median right PR, 8.5 vs 6.0 mm; P = .001; right IC, 6.5 vs 4.5 mm; P = .002; left PR, 9.5 vs 5.75 mm; P = .0002; left IC, 6.5 vs 5.75 mm; P = .02). Obturator thicknesses were similar (right OI, 20.0 vs 19.5 mm; left OI, 19.25 vs 19.25 mm; P = NS). Conclusion Significantly thicker levators but similar obturators were seen in black nulliparas, compared with white nulliparas. These levator differences may influence pelvic floor dysfunction risk. The clinical significance of these findings is under study.
ISSN:0002-9378
1097-6868
DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2007.08.015