Automated pelvic MRI measurements associated with urinary incontinence for prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic morphological parameters on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), such as the membranous urethral length (MUL), can predict urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy but are prone to interobserver disagreement. Our objective was to improve interobserver agreement among radiologists in measuring pelvic parameters using deep learning (DL)-based segmentation of pelvic structures on MRI scans. METHODS: Preoperative MRI was collected from 167 prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy within our regional multicentric cohort. Two DL networks (nnU-Net) were trained on coronal and sagittal scans and evaluated on a test cohort using an 80/20% train-test split. Pelvic parameters were manually measured by three abdominal radiologists on raw MRI images and with the use of DL-generated segmentations. Automated measurements were also performed for the pelvic parameters. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The DL models achieved median Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) values of 0.85-0.97 for coronal structures and 0.87-0.98 for sagittal structures. When radiologists used DL-generated segmentations of pelvic structures, the interobserver agreement for sagittal MUL improved from 0.64 (95% confidence interval 0.28-0.83) to 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.95). Furthermore, there was an increase in ICC values for the obturator internus muscle from 0.74 (95% CI 0.42-0.87) to 0.86 (95% CI 0.75-0.92) and for the levator ani muscle from 0.40 (95% CI 0.05-0.66) to 0.61 (95% CI 0.31-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: DL-based automated segmentation of pelvic structures improved interobserver agreement in measuring pelvic parameters on preoperative MRI scans. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The implementation of deep learning segmentations allows for more consistent measurements of pelvic parameters by radiologists. Standardized measurements are crucial for incorporating these parameters into urinary continence prediction models. KEY POINTS: • DL-generated segmentations improve interobserver agreement for pelvic measurements among radiologists. • Membranous urethral length measurement improved from substantial to almost perfect agreement. • Artificial intelligence enhances objective pelvic parameter assessment for continence prediction models.

Membranous urethral length measurement on preoperative MRI to predict incontinence after radical prostatectomy: a literature review towards a proposal for measurement standardization.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the membranous urethral length (MUL) measurement and its interobserver agreement, and propose literature-based recommendations to standardize MUL measurement for increasing interobserver agreement. MUL measurements based on prostate MRI scans, for urinary incontinence risk assessment before radical prostatectomy (RP), may influence treatment decision-making in men with localised prostate cancer. Before implementation in clinical practise, MRI-based MUL measurements need standardization to improve observer agreement. METHODS: Online libraries were searched up to August 5, 2022, on MUL measurements. Two reviewers performed article selection and critical appraisal. Papers reporting on preoperative MUL measurements and urinary continence correlation were selected. Extracted information included measuring procedures, MRI sequences, population mean/median values, and observer agreement. RESULTS: Fifty papers were included. Studies that specified the MRI sequence used T2-weighted images and used either coronal images (n = 13), sagittal images (n = 18), or both (n = 12) for MUL measurements. 'Prostatic apex' was the most common description of the proximal membranous urethra landmark and 'level/entry of the urethra into the penile bulb' was the most common description of the distal landmark. Population mean (median) MUL value range was 10.4-17.1 mm (7.3-17.3 mm), suggesting either population or measurement differences. Detailed measurement technique descriptions for reproducibility were lacking. Recommendations on MRI-based MUL measurement were formulated by using anatomical landmarks and detailed descriptions and illustrations. CONCLUSIONS: In order to improve on measurement variability, a literature-based measuring method of the MUL was proposed, supported by several illustrative case studies, in an attempt to standardize MRI-based MUL measurements for appropriate urinary incontinence risk preoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Implementation of MUL measurements into clinical practise for personalized post-prostatectomy continence prediction is hampered by lack of standardization and suboptimal interobserver agreement. Our proposed standardized MUL measurement aims to facilitate standardization and to improve the interobserver agreement. KEY POINTS: • Variable approaches for membranous urethral length measurement are being used, without detailed description and with substantial differences in length of the membranous urethra, hampering standardization. • Limited interobserver agreement for membranous urethral length measurement was observed in several studies, while preoperative incontinence risk assessment necessitates high interobserver agreement. • Literature-based recommendations are proposed to standardize MRI-based membranous urethral length measurement for increasing interobserver agreement and improving preoperative incontinence risk assessment, using anatomical landmarks on sagittal T2-weighted images.

The relationship between low back pain, pelvic tilt, and lumbar lordosis with urinary incontinence using the DIERS formetric 4D motion imaging system.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common public health problem and postural changes may be crucial in women presenting with UI. This study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between low back pain (LBP), pelvic tilt (PT), and lumbar lordosis (LL) in women with and without UI using the DIERS formetric 4D motion imaging system. To date no study has to our knowledge compared postural changes and LBP in women with UI using the DIERS 4D formetric system. METHODS: This was a case-control study. We included 33 women with UI and 33 without incontinence. The severity of urogenital symptoms was assessed by the IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Score) and UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory), and disability owing to LBP was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Posture and movement assessment, LL angle, thoracic kyphosis, and PT assessment were performed with the DIERS Formetric 4D motion imaging system. RESULTS: The LL angle and pelvic torsion degree were higher in the incontinence group than in the control group (53.9 ± 9.5° vs 48.18 ± 8.3°; p = 0.012, 3.9 ± 4.1 vs 2.03 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.018 respectively). The LBP visual analog scale value was also significantly higher in the incontinence group (5.09 ± 2.3 vs 1.7 ± 1.8 respectively, p < 0.0001). The LL angle showed a positive correlation with pelvic obliquity, (r = 0.321, p < 0.01) and fleche lombaire (r = 0.472, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with lumbar range of motion measurements. Pelvic obliquity correlated positively with pelvic torsion (r = 0.649, p < 0.01), LBP (r = 0.369, p < 0.01), and fleche lombaire (r = 0.269, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Women with UI were more likely to have lumbopelvic sagittal alignment changes and a higher visual analog scale for LBP. These findings show the need for assessment of lumbopelvic posture in women with UI.

[Imaging of the pelvic floor : The urological perspective]. / Bildgebung des Beckenbodens : Die Sicht der Urologie.

BACKGROUND: Physiological pelvic floor function is essential for maintaining the appropriate storage and voiding function of the lower urinary tract. Disorders of pelvic floor function can consist of both hypofunction and hyperfunction and can result in urge symptoms, urinary incontinence, disorders of the micturition process, urinary retention, and chronic pelvic floor pain, as well as endangering the upper urinary tract. Thus, these disorders can be complex in their cause and effect. An exact diagnosis and initiation of a target-specific therapy of the respective functional disorder can only be achieved by the interaction of functional and imaging diagnostics. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is therefore to present these special imaging techniques from the perspective of functional urology and neuro-urology. METHODS: This paper presents the available imaging techniques in the diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction and places them in the diagnostic context of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

The relationship between urinary incontinence and abdominal muscle thickness in community-dwelling older women undergoing comprehensive geriatric assessment.

PURPOSE: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common geriatric syndromes in older adults, especially in women. The aim of this study is to show the relationship between urinary incontinence and abdominal muscle thickness measured by muscle ultrasonography (US) in community-dwelling older women adults. METHODS: Eighty-seven community-dwelling older women participated in our study. The presence and the type of UI were recorded. Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed on all participants. Abdominal muscle layer thicknesses were evaluated with muscle US. RESULTS: The prevalence of UI was 55.2% (n = 48) of the study population. The median [IQR] age of the patients in the UI group was 73.0 [69.0-77.5] years and it was 69.0 [67.0-73.0] years in patients without UI (p = 0.007). Abdominal muscle thicknesses were measured smaller in patients with UI than those without UI except for internal oblique muscle thickness. The median [IQR] rectus abdominis muscle thickness was lower in patients with UI than in patients without UI, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.003). RA muscle was associated with UI regardless of age, polypharmacy, malnutrition, and frailty (OR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.38-0.89; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that UI was independently related to the rectus abdominis muscle thickness, which may reflect the function and mass of the pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic floor ultrasound versus urodynamics in evaluating insensible urinary incontinence: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Insensible Urinary Incontinence (IUI) is a situation when you complain of urinary incontinence but are unaware of how it occurred. Therefore, it is necessary to apply highly specific diagnostic methods to promote accuracy in the diagnosis of IUI, including pelvic floor ultrasound (PFU) and urodynamic studies (UDS). METHODS: A total of 41 women with IUI were retrospectively included. Patients were categorized into two groups: the urodynamic urinary incontinence group (UUI group, n=20) and the non-urodynamic urinary incontinence group (NUUI group, n=21), according to the urine leakage during UDS. The baseline clinical characteristics, UDS results, and PFU parameters were collected. RESULTS: Compared with the NUUI group, the UUI group had a smaller maximum cystometric capacity (P=0.008), lower maximum urethral closure pressure (P=0.005), shorter functional urethral length (FUL) (P=0.01), more bladder neck funneling (BNF) (P=0.02), greater BNF depth (P=0.04), and larger BNF area (P=0.01). The area and depth of BNF were negatively correlated with maximum urethral closure pressure (r=-0.42, P=0.01), FUL (r=-0.36, P=0.02 versus r=-0.39, P=0.01), and maximum cystometric capacity (r=-0.35, P=0.03), but positively correlated with maximum urinary flow rate (r=0.33, P=0.04 versus r=0.36, P=0.02). The canonical correlation analysis of the ultrasound parameters and UDS parameters shows that the first pair of canonical variables was statistically significant (r1=0.9, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The PFU is associated with UDS in evaluating IUI. It has the advantages of low cost and high comfort, thus should be used as an auxiliary examination for IUI.

Inter-observer variability in male pelvic-floor MRI measurements that might predict post-prostatectomy incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Current studies are focusing on the relationship between anatomical variables in preoperative prostate MRI and the development of post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). Nevertheless, there is little evidence regarding the reliability of these measurements. The objective of this study was to analyze the concordance between urologists and radiologists for anatomical measurements that might be PPI predictors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pelvic floor measurements with 3T-MRI were performed by two radiologists and two urologists independently and blindly. Interobserver agreement was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: The concordance was good-acceptable for most measurements, except for the levator ani and puborectalis muscle thickness (some ICC values < 0.20/p value > 0.05). The anatomical parameters with the highest degree of agreement were intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) and prostate volume (most of the ICC values > 0.60). The membranous urethral length (MUL) and the angle of the membranous urethra-prostate axis (aLUMP) presented ICC > 0.40. The obturator internus muscle thickness (OIT), urethral width and intraprostatic urethral length presented a fair-moderate degree of agreement (ICC > 0.20). Regarding the agreement between different specialists, the highest degree was obtained for the two radiologists and for urologist 1-radiologist 2 (moderate median agreement), while urologist 2 with each of the radiologists had a regular median agreement. CONCLUSIONS: MUL, IPP, prostate volume, aLUMP, OIT, urethral width and prostatic length show acceptable inter-observer concordance and they would be reliable as possible predictors of PPI. Levator ani and puborectalis muscle thickness show bad agreement. Interobserver agreement might not be greatly influenced by previous professional experience.

Impact of parity and delivery mode on pelvic floor function in young women: a 3D ultrasound evaluation.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objectives were to evaluate clinical and anatomical parameters assessed by three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound (3D ultrasound) in parous and nulliparous women of childbearing age and to assess underreported symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SD), urinary incontinence (UI) and flatus incontinence (FI). METHODS: Women without complaints of pelvic floor dysfunction, aged 20-50 years, were eligible for this prospective cross-sectional study. They completed the King's Health Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index and St Mark's Incontinence Score adapted for this study. Next, a physical examination and 3D ultrasound were performed. The scores obtained in the questionnaires were compared with the 3D ultrasound data. RESULTS: In total, 326 women were invited to participate. Of these, 203 women met the inclusion criteria, and their cases were classified as nulliparity (NU, 59), vaginal delivery (VD, 80), forceps delivery (FD, 18) and caesarean section (CS, 48). These groups were homogeneous regarding age (p=0.096), parity (p=0.051) and body mass index (p=0.06). The hiatal dimension (HD; p=0.003) and transverse diameter (TD) (p=0.001) were significantly different among the groups. Compared with the NU and CS groups, the VD and FD groups had an increased HD and TD. The frequencies of underreported symptoms identified by questionnaires were as follows: SD (46.3%), UI (35%) and FI (28%). After VD and FD, women were more likely to present UI (p<0.001), FI (p<0.001) and SD (p=0.002) than the women with NU and those who had undergone a CS. UI was related to a greater HD (p=0.002) and anteroposterior diameter (p=0.022), FI was associated with a thinner left pubovisceral muscle (p=0.013), and SD was related to a greater HD (p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional ultrasound can identify mild morphological changes in young women with apparently normal physical examinations, mainly after VD and FD. In such individuals, these findings are associated with higher incidences of underreported sexual, urinary and anal symptoms.

Contribution of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy to the mechanism of urinary continence as demonstrated by dynamic MRI.

Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been reported to exhibit better postoperative urinary continence, but the reasons behind this are unknown. This study included 254 cases who underwent RARP and underwent postoperative dynamic MRI. We measured the urine loss ratio (ULR) immediately after postoperative urethral catheter removal and investigated its affecting factors and the mechanisms. Nerve-sparing (NS) techniques was performed in 175 (69%) unilateral and 34 (13%) bilateral cases, whereas Retzius-sparing in 58 (23%) cases. The median ULR early after indwelling catheter removal in all patients was 4.0%. The multivariate analysis was performed on factors that reduce ULR and found that the following factors were associated with ULR: younger age, NS and Retzius-sparing, which were significant. Additionally, dynamic MRI findings showed that membranous urethral length and the anterior rectal wall movement toward the pubic bone during abdominal pressure were significant factors. The movement observed on the dynamic MRI during abdominal pressure was thought to reflect an effective urethral sphincter closure mechanism. Long membranous urethral length and an effective urethral sphincter closure mechanism during abdominal pressure were considered effective for favorable urinary continence after RARP. NS and Retzius-sparing were clearly shown to have an additive effect in preventing urinary incontinence.

Gluteal muscle fatty infiltration, fall risk, and mobility limitation in older women with urinary incontinence: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Gluteal muscle quality influences risk of falling and mobility limitation. We sought (1) to compare gluteal muscle fatty infiltration (FI) between groups of older women with urinary incontinence (UI) at risk for falling (at-risk group) and not at risk for falling (not-at-risk group), and (2) to determine correlation of gluteal FI with Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective pilot study of gluteal FI on pelvis MRI for 19 women with UI, aged ≥ 70 years. A musculoskeletal radiologist selected axial T1-weighted MR images; then, two blinded medical student research assistants analyzed gluteal FI by quantitative fuzzy C-means segmentation. TUG and SPPB tests were performed. TUG ≥ 12 s defined participants as at risk for falling. Descriptive, correlation, and reliability analyses were performed. RESULTS: Mean age, 76.3 ± 4.8 years; no difference for age or body mass index (BMI) between the at-risk (n = 5) versus not-at-risk (n = 14) groups. SPPB score (p = 0.013) was lower for the at-risk group (6.4 ± 3.1) than for the not-at-risk group (10.2 ± 1.9). Fuzzy C-means FI-%-estimate differed between the at-risk group and the not-at-risk group for bilateral gluteus medius/minimus (33.2% ± 15.6% versus 19.5% ± 4.1%, p = 0.037) and bilateral gluteus maximus (33.6% ± 15.6% versus 19.7% ± 6.9%, p = 0.047). Fuzzy C-means FI-%-estimate for bilateral gluteus maximus had significant (p < 0.050) moderate correlation with age (rho = - 0.64), BMI (rho = 0.65), and TUG performance (rho = 0.52). Fuzzy C-means FI-%-estimates showed excellent inter-observer and intra-observer reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ≥ 0.892). CONCLUSION: Older women with UI at risk for falling have greater levels of gluteal FI and mobility limitation as compared to those not at risk for falling.

Assessment of Pelvic Floor Disorders due to the Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Using Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography: A Narrative Review.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)is an entity with evolving conceptual nuances that deserve full consideration. Gestational diabetes leads to complications and adverse effects on the mother's and infants' health during and after pregnancy. Women also have a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) related to the hyperglycemic status during pregnancy. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanism is still uncertain. We conducted a narrative review discussing the impact of GDM on the women's pelvic floor and performed image assessment using three-dimensional ultrasonography to evaluate and predict future UI.

O diabetes gestacional (DG)é uma entidade com nuances conceituais em evolução que merecem total consideração. O DG leva a complicações e efeitos adversos na saúde da mãe e do bebê durante e após a gravidez. As mulheres também apresentam maior prevalência de incontinência urinária (IU) relacionada ao estado hiperglicêmico durante a gravidez. No entanto, o mecanismo fisiopatológico exato ainda é incerto. Realizamos uma revisão narrativa discutindo o impacto do DG no assoalho pélvico das mulheres e utilizamos o exame de ultrassonografia tridimensional para avaliar e predizer a ocorrência de IU.

Are Transperineal Ultrasound Parameters Useful to Predict Incontinence in Patients with Single-Incision Mini-Slings?

It would be logical to think that single-incision mini-slings (SIMS) should behave like the rest of the tension-free vaginal tape and, therefore, to believe that they present a similar ultrasound appearance, but there are no studies on this matter. Therefore, the main aim of our research is to determine which ultrasound parameters are associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in patients carrying SIMS. A prospective observational study was carried out including 94 patients who were candidates for SUI corrective surgery with SIMS between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 at the Universitary Hospital of Valme (Seville, Spain). A transperineal ultrasound evaluation was performed (six months after surgery) in order to study: the bladder neck-symphyseal distance, the posterior urethro-vesical angle, the pubic symphysis-tape gap, the tape-urethral lumen distance, the sagittal tape angle, the tape position, the concordance of movement between the tape and the urethra, and the axial tape angle. A total of 92 patients completed the study (63 asymptomatic and 29 symptomatic). Statistical differences were observed in the concordance of movement between the tape and the urethra (84.1% vs. 25.0%; p: 0.001) and in the axial tape angle at rest (139.3 ± 19.0 vs. 118.3 ± 15.4; p: 0.003) and at Valsalva (145.1 ± 20.2 vs. 159.1 ± 9.0; p: 0.034). Sagittal tape angle at rest was higher in urge urinary incontinence (UUI) patients (132.5 ± 35.7 vs. 143.3 ± 29.8; p: 0.001) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) patients (132.5 ± 35.7 vs. 157.8 ± 23.6; p: 0.025) compared to asymptomatic patients. In conclusion, the concordance between the movement of the tape and the urethra is the most useful ultrasound parameter to define continence in patients with SIMS.

Study protocol for a parallel-group randomized controlled multi-center trial evaluating the additional effect of continuous ultrasound bladder monitoring in urotherapy for children with functional daytime urinary incontinence (SENS-U trial).

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract dysfunction or functional urinary incontinence is a common condition with a prevalence up to 21% between 6 and 8 year-old children. It is associated with an impaired quality of life, lower self-esteem, and social stigmatization. Urotherapy is the first treatment of choice for functional daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) in children. Alarm therapy can be a part of urotherapy as it provides the child adequate feedback on wetting accidents. Current alarm systems notify either at a set interval or give a notification when wetting has already occurred to prompt the child to go to the toilet. These alarms do not teach the child the interpretation of the bladder sensation preceding wetting accidents. A new wearable bladder sensor, the SENS-U, recently became available. This is a relative small, wireless ultrasonic sensor, which continuously monitors bladder filling. The SENS-U is able to provide an alarm at the exact moment voiding is warranted. It facilitates the child to learn the sensation of bladder filling preceding voiding in an easier way, increasing the learning curve throughout treatment. Its additional effect in urotherapy on continence and cost-effectiveness is to be determined. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multi-center clinical superiority parallel-group randomized controlled trial including a total of 480 children. Participants between 6 and 16 years of age with functional DUI in which urotherapy is offered as the next treatment of choice are eligible. Four centers, two academic hospitals, and two general care (peripheral) centers are participating. Participants will be randomized at a 1:1:1 ratio into three groups: urotherapy (care as usual), urotherapy with the SENS-U added for 3 consecutive weeks throughout the training, or urotherapy with a SHAM device for 3 weeks. The primary outcome is number of wetting accidents per week after 3 months of training, compared between the SENS-U and the SHAM device. The magnitude of the placebo effect will be assessed by comparing the results of the SHAM group versus the control (care as usual) group. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first trial studying not only the effect but also the cost-effectiveness of alarm interventions as commonly added in urotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN44345202 . Registered on March 2022.

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided pelvic floor muscle training in improving prolonged urinary incontinence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Persistence of urinary incontinence (UI) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a bothersome problem because of its negative effect on the patient's quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of transperineal ultrasound (TPUS)-guided pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) on prolonged UI after RARP. Thirty men with stress UI persisting for > 1 year after RARP underwent biofeedback PFMT using TPUS once every 2-3 weeks for 3 months. The frequency and duration of sustaining pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions were assessed using ultrasound imaging. The severity of UI and UI-related QOL were evaluated using a 24-hour pad test and the incontinence quality of life (I-QOL) questionnaire. Twenty-four men (mean age, 72.2 years) completed the TPUS-guided PFMT. The mean duration from RARP to PFMT was 1,228.9 days. The mean cumulative session and the total duration of TPUS-guided PFMT were 4.6 times and 73.3 days, respectively. Compared with the data before TPUS-guided PFMT, the frequency of PFM contractions and duration of sustaining contraction significantly improved after TPUS-guided PFMT (p < 0.05). Additionally, the total amount of urinary leakage after TPUS-guided PFMT was reduced significantly (248.6 ± 280.6 g vs. 397.0 ± 427.0 g, p = 0.024). The I-QOL score was significantly increased after TPUS-guided PFMT (72.1 ± 16.8 vs. 61.0 ± 19.0, p < 0.001). TPUS-guided PFMT may be effective in improving prolonged UI occurring > 1 year after RARP.

Value of Different Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Measurements of Anatomical Structures on Preoperative Prostate Imaging in Predicting Urinary Continence After Radical Prostatectomy in Men with Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Measurements of anatomical structures on preoperative prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used in risk models for treatment decisions to predict urinary continence (UC) following radical prostatectomy (RP). However, the association between these parameters and UC is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To systematically summarize the literature on prognostic preoperative prostate MRI measurements of (peri)prostatic structures in relation to time to recovery of postoperative UC in men with prostate cancer. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Online libraries were searched up to August 27, 2021. Article selection and critical appraisal were performed by two reviewers. All papers reporting on preoperative MRI measurements with UC correlation in univariable or multivariable analyses were included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In the 50 studies included (mostly retrospective), 57 MRI parameters were evaluated. The pooled analyses showed that greater membranous urethra length (MUL) was prognostic for regaining UC at 1 mo (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.21), 3 mo (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.16-1.31), 6 mo (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.08-1.25), and 12 mo (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10-1.29). Several other anatomical structures showed at least in one study a significant correlation with later return to UC: four prostate-related parameters (greater depth, apical protrusion, larger intravesical protrusion, small dorsal vascular complex), five urethra-related parameters (thicker wall, severe fibrosis, smaller volume, larger preoperative angle between the prostate axis and membranous urethra, shorter minimal residual MUL), and six musculoskeletal-related parameters (lower perfusion ratio, thinner levator ani muscle, larger inner or outer levator distance, shorter pelvic diaphragm length, and larger midpelvic area). CONCLUSIONS: Greater MUL as measured on preoperative MRI was an independent prognostic factor for return to UC within 1 mo after RP and remained prognostic at 12 mo. Other anatomical structures may potentially be predictive, but these would need to be substantiated in prospective trials before being adopted in postoperative UC risk models for treatment decisions in men with prostate cancer. PATIENT SUMMARY: We summarized study data on the relation between measurements of anatomical structures on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans and urinary continence after removal of the prostate. Greater length of one part of the urethra (membranous urethra) is associated with faster return to continence. Other anatomical structures have potential for predicting postoperative continence, but need further investigation.

Correlation between symptoms and imaging findings including pelvic floor ultrasound to improve the symptom-based diagnosis of female urethral diverticulum (CHECK-UD study).

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to establish a model to predict the presence of a female urethral diverticulum (UD) based on symptoms. METHODS: A prospective CHECK-UD study (check of female urethral diverticulum) was conducted. Female patients presenting with symptoms such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), postmicturition dribble or urinary incontinence (UI), dyspareunia or pain in the pelvic area, and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) treated between 2015 and 2020 were included. The association between each symptom variable and the positive finding of UD was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), vaginal deliveries, previous surgery for SUI, previous pelvic surgery, and microscopic hematuria. A predictive model for the presence of UD was then created. RESULTS: In total, 189 female patients with a minimum of one symptom were enrolled. Pelvic floor ultrasound revealed the presence of UD in 66 out of 189 (34.92%). Of the four symptoms, the combinations "LUTS + postmicturition dribble + UTI," "postmicturition dribble + LUTS," and "UTI + LUTS" were most significantly related to positive findings and had a higher positive prognostic value for the diagnosis of UD than each individual symptom alone (OR = 13.78 [95% CI: 6.95-16.35], p < 0.001; OR = 9.94 [95% CI: 4.60-12.2], p < 0.05; and OR = 5.78 [95% CI: 1.58-6.98] p = 0.05) respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on our model, the combination "LUTS + postmicturition dribble + UTI" seems to be the most sensitive combination of clinical symptoms predicting the positive finding of UD. This model could be used for patient counseling and for the identification of patients with UD.

Characterizing the cortical pathways underlying visual trigger induced urinary urgency incontinence by functional MRI.

AIMS: Visual triggers have long been recognized clinically to stimulate urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). Current pathophysiology recognizes the importance of cortical control over micturition but there is no standardized methodology for clinicians to study the impact of visual triggers. Our aim was to develop an imaging protocol able to characterize the brain's response to personalized visual triggers, providing a methodology for evaluation on connectivity within the brain in patients with visually triggered urinary urgency. METHODS: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methodology specific for urologic use was developed. A 3T-Elition Scanner was first used to acquire static structural images. These images were then used to define approximately 200 brain regions of interest (ROI) using a validated brain atlas. Then, real-time functional MRI (fMRI) scans were conducted during natural bladder filling, where study subjects were shown randomized block sequences of visual stimuli comprised of both subject-specific trigger images and neutral images. The fMRI scan data were merged to identify key ROI underlying UUI. RESULTS: Dynamic fMRI scans were conducted in 10 subjects, 4 with trigger-induced UUI, 2 with trigger-induced urgency, and 4 with no urgency or leakage to visual triggers. No subjects with UUI history lost continence during imaging, but all four subjects reported sensations of urgency in response to their own subject-specific trigger images. The ROI identified were the periaqueductal gray, anterior cingulate gyrus, pons, and prefrontal cortex. We found increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system ROI in response to subject-specific visual triggers of UUI. CONCLUSIONS: This information provides proof of principle for further exploration of subject-specific trigger image evaluation using fMRI to explore causation in patients with UUI.

Neuroimaging of situational urgency and incontinence provoked by personal urgency cues.

INTRODUCTION: Situational triggers for urinary urgency and incontinence (UUI) such as "latchkey incontinence" and running water are often reported clinically, but no current clinical tools exist to directly address symptoms of UUI provoked by environmental stimuli. Previously we have shown that urgency and leakage can be reproduced during urodynamic studies with exposure to personal urgency-related images. Here we investigate the neural signatures associated with such situational triggers to inform potential therapies for reducing reactivity to these personal urgency-related cues among women with situational UUI. METHOD: We recruited 23 women with situational UUI who took photographs of their personal "urgency trigger" and "safe" situations and were exposed to them in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. We identified brain areas that were more active during urgency versus safe image exposure. RESULTS: We found that, during urgency image exposure, main components of the attention network and decision-related processes, the middle and medial frontal gyri, were more active (p < 0.01). In addition, areas well known to be involved in the continence mechanism, such as the cingulate and parahippocampal areas, were also more active during urgency image exposure. CONCLUSION: Exposure to personal situational urgency images activated different areas of the brain compared with safe environments, highlighting the complex brain mechanisms that provoke real-world urgency. Using brain and behavioral-based therapies which target the attentional areas identified here and extinguish cue reactivity might reduce symptom burden in this subset of UUI sufferers.

Evaluation of the effect of levator ani muscle contraction on post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence using cine MRI.

AIM: Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) is the greatest concern for urologists after radical prostatectomy (RP). It is thought that PPI is composed of multiple factors including static and dynamic components. The purpose of this study is to show visually levator ani muscle (LAM) contraction during pelvic floor muscle contraction and to evaluate the dynamic differences in its contraction between men with and without PPI. METHODS: This study was a case-control study of the urinary continent or incontinent men. It investigated whether LAM contraction was involved in urinary leakage based on examination of LAM contraction by cine magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: The LAM contracted from the coccyx to the pubis in the same manner before and after surgery. The degree of contraction of the LAM in post-prostatectomy groups was smaller than that in the healthy adult group. The contraction distances of each part of the pelvic floor were decreased by 50%-70% in the incontinence group compared to those in the continence group. The bladder neck moved 2.5-fold further in the continence group and the direction of movement was more vertical than in the incontinence group. Urethral compression was attenuated by about 40% in the incontinence group compared to that in the continence group. CONCLUSIONS: RP can cause damage to the LAM. LAM contraction is reduced after RP compared with that in healthy adult men. In men with PPI, the reduced muscle contraction might not compress the urethra sufficiently when abdominal pressure is raised. Pelvic floor muscle training might provide a meaningful method for the recovery of LAM contraction in patients with PPI.

The correlation between transperineal ultrasound assessment of the levator ani muscle and postpartum urinary incontinence.

AIMS: The primary aim of the present study was to assess the association between levator ani muscle (LAM) integrity and function on the one hand, and the risk of urinary incontinence (UI) on the other. A secondary objective was to assess the association between fundal pressure in the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) and the risk of postpartum UI. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, women underwent a clinical and transperineal ultrasound examination at rest, at pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC), and at Valsalva maneuver 3-6 months after their first vaginal delivery. LAM avulsion and levator hiatal area (LHA) were evaluated. In addition, women were interviewed about the presence of UI, whether stress (SUI) or urgency (UUI). RESULTS: Overall, data of 244 women were analyzed. SUI was reported in 50 (20.5%), while UUI was reported in 19 (7.8%) women. Women who reported SUI had a higher prevalence of LAM avulsion and less proportional reduction in LHA from rest to a maximum contraction in comparison to women with no SUI. Women who reported UUI had a greater LHA at rest, during contraction, and during maximal Valsalva in comparison to women without UUI. No significant association was found between the Kristeller maneuver and the incidence of any UI. CONCLUSION: Levator ani avulsion and less proportional reduction of LHA with PFMC appear to be associated with a higher risk of postpartum urinary stress incontinence.