Ultrasonic imaging of female cystocele subtypes: a preliminary study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the pelvic floor in cystocele patients using translabial ultrasound, and discuss the ultrasound appearance. Methods Translabial 2D ultrasound was performed on 136 patients who were diagnosed or suspected as anterior vaginal wall prolapse or cystocele using pelvic organ prolapse quantitation system, the position of bladder, the retrovesical angle and urethral rotation were measured during maximum Valsalva maneuver. Cystocele subtypes were diagnosed according to the ultrasound findings. Results Translabial 2D ultrasound diagnosed 88 cases cystocele based on the position of bladder, retrovesical angle and urethral rotation, including ten cases cystocele type Ⅰ, 32 cases type Ⅱ and the remaining 46 classified as type Ⅲ. Conclusions Translabial 2D ultrasound successfully acquired the ultrasonic characteristics of cystocele subtypes, which could provide imaging evidence for clinic diagnosis of this disease. Key words: Ultrasonography; Pelvic floor; Cystocele