Shear-wave Elastography Measures of Pelvic Floor Muscle Correlated with Transabdominal Ultrasound Measures of Bladder Displacement for Assessing Pelvic Floor Function

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study primarily aimed to investigate the association between levator ani elasticity on shear-wave elastography and bladder base displacement using transabdominal ultrasonography for evaluating pelvic floor muscle function. Methods Forty-two nulliparous women were included in the study. Kegel exercises were used for educating how to contract pelvic floor muscles. The elasticity of the levator ani muscle at rest and during contraction using shear-wave elastography and bladder base displacement using transabdominal ultrasonography were obtained, simultaneously. Results The intraclass correlation coefficient for repeated measures of levator ani elasticity was 0.906 at rest and 0.687 during contraction. The mean levator ani elasticity was 24.7 ± 4.5 kPa at rest and 62.1 ± 10.4 kPa during contraction, mean bladder base displacement was 7.2 ± 2.5 mm, and normalized bladder base displacement was 0.3 ± 0.1 mm. Additionally, a moderate correlation coefficient was found between bladder base displacement and levator ani elasticity differences between contraction and rest (r = 0.486, p = 0.001). Conclusion Transperineal shear-wave elastography is reliable for assessing the elasticity of levator ani by providing a non-invasive evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function. Additionally, the study findings suggest shear-wave elastography as a promising technique for establishing appropriate treatment plans for pelvic floor disorders.