Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle by transperineal elastography in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis: preliminary observation.

PURPOSE: To assess the elasticity of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) affected by deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with transperineal elastography.

METHODS: This prospective observational study included 88 patients who were diagnosed with DIE, ovarian endometrioid cyst, or ovarian teratoma. All the patients were assigned to one of the three groups and underwent transperineal elastography. The scoring system and strain ratio (SR) values were recorded and analyzed. Assessments were conducted at maximal Valsalva and under quiescent condition, respectively.

RESULTS: The mean elastography score was statistically significantly higher for the levator ani of group I than groups II and III under quiescent condition. In addition, SR of the levator ani in group I was higher than that in groups II and III. However, at maximal Valsalva, the mean elastography score of group I was lower than that of groups II and III. In addition, SR of group I was lower than that of groups II and III.

CONCLUSION: The elasticity of the PFM in DIE patients could be qualitatively evaluated by transperineal elastography. The coordination of the PFM was injured and decreased elasticity appeared in DIE patients.