Pubococcygeal activity on perineal ultrasound in incontinent women

• Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 2011-03, Vol.22 (3), p.315-320
• Main Authors: de Abreu Etienne, Mara, de Oliveira, André Lima, da Silva Carramão, Silvia, Macea, José Rafael, Aoki, Tsutomu, Auge, Antonio Pedro Flores
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Gynecology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Muscle Contraction - physiology; Muscle, Skeletal - diagnostic imaging; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Original Article; Pelvic Floor - diagnostic imaging; Pelvic Floor - physiopathology; Perineum - diagnostic imaging; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pilot Projects; Reproducibility of Results; Ultrasonography; Urinary Incontinence - diagnostic imaging; Urinary Incontinence - physiopathology; Urinary Incontinence - therapy; Urology
• ISSN: 0937-3462; 1433-3023
• DOI: 10.1007/s00192-010-1251-9

Introduction and hypothesis The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability and reproducibility of perineal ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of the pubococcygeal muscle (PCM) activity in urinary incontinent women. Methods Thirty women were assessed twice by two examiners who measured the angle between the lateral bundles of the PCM. The 2D US on coronal view evaluated the PCM performance during squeezing, straining, and resting. Results There was significant correlation ( p  ≤ 0.001) in all measurements to both examiners, except for the contraction on their second assessment. The images showed asymmetries of muscle volume and activity. Five women (16.7%) had difficulty to rest after squeezing or straining, six (20%) first opened the muscle bundles when asked to squeeze them, and eight (26.7%) had no movement during different moments. Conclusions The 2D perineal US on coronal view is useful to evaluate PCM activity. It is easily applicable and reproducible.