Assessment of levator hiatus by 3D ultrasound volume contrast imaging in normal nulliparas

The ability of 3D ultrasound volume contrast imaging in C-plane (VCI-C) in the assessment of female levator hiatus was analyzed in eighty normal nulliparas. Interoperator variability in levator hiatus measurements was analyzed. The comparison of the axial image of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and C-plane image of volume contrast imaging (VCI) in thirty normal nulliparas was also done. It shows that VCI-C can clearly demonstrate the structure and accurately quantitates the size of the levator hiatus. It is reliable, convenient and without contraindication in assessment of female levator hiatus. The technology opens up entirely new modality for assessing female pelvic floor. Foundation item: the Scientific Research Project of Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau (No. 2008083)