Can MRI predict which patients are most likely to benefit from percutaneous positioning of volume-adjustable balloon devices?
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in predicting which patients affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) will benefit from a new anti-incontinence therapy named adjustable continence therapy (AC).


METHODS
We prospectively evaluated a group of 25 female patients affected by SUI and treated with ACT. Before and after treatment all patients were clinically assessed by physical examination, urodynamic evaluation and pad test. All patients had an MR examination before and 3 and 12 months after ACT surgery to compare the position of the bladder neck in relation to the pubococcygeal line (PCL).


RESULTS
21/25 (84%) patients were improved; 16 (64%) of these patients were dry and 5 (20%) significantly improved. Before treatment, the mean PCL distance was significantly different (p<0.01) between the responsive and the non-responsive groups.


CONCLUSIONS
MRI provides an effective radiological method to predict the efficacy of the ACT.
Stecco
Alessandro
A
Istituto di Radiologia Diagnostica ed Interventistica, Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy.
Saponaro
Antonio
A
Crivellaro
Simone
S
Cotroneo
Antonio Raffaele
AR
Frea
Bruno
B
Carriero
Alessandro
A
Kocjancic
Ervin
E
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods