title: Perineal assessment of urethrovesical junction mobility in young continent females.
abstract: This paper describes the application of perineal ultrasound (7 MHz transducer) in the assessment of the urethrovesical junction (UVJ) in 40 continent nulliparous females. Measurements of UVJ vertical and horizontal movements were assessed in relation to the inferior border of the pubic symphysis from resting to the maximum straining position. Participants were examined in the dorsal lithotomy position with no more than 50 ml of urine in the bladder. Volunteers' average age was 16 years (range 10-25). The mean vertical movement was 5.3+/-2.4 mm (maximum 9 mm). In 95% of participants the measurement for horizontal movement did not exceed 11.2 mm. Perineal ultrasound in patients with the bladder practically empty is an easy way to assess urethrovesical junction mobility objectively. It avoids the possible influence of detrusor contraction. A standard method for this assessment can provide accurate essential information for classification, management and follow-up of urinary incontinence.
authors.affiliation: Barao de Lucena and University Hospitals, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
authors.forename: F T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Brandt
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Albuquerque
authors.forename: F R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Lorenzato
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Amaral
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006119:Groin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014521:Urethra / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*