title: Possible role of perineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of cystocele.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Perineal ultrasound has not yet been adequately evaluated in relation to the diagnosis of anatomical descensus of pelvic organs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess whether it is possible to carry out a topographical comparison between bladders in normal seat and prolapsed ones and to quantify the extent of descensus.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors selected 140 women, divided into three groups (two control groups and one case group). All patients underwent urogynaecological examination, according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q), and perineal ultrasound to evaluate pubo-bladder distance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Considering the data recorded in the two control groups, the authors established the physiological pubo-bladder distance between 27-33 mm at rest and 25-30 mm under stress. In the group with cystocele, the pubo-bladder distance was significantly lower: 20 mm at rest and three mm under stress (mean value). The authors also performed a classification of ultrasound cystocele in four stages, in accordance with clinical staging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, the present data show the excellent potential role of perineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of cystocele, but it is necessary to perform randomized studies to standardize the method.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Schettino
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Datol
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Panariello
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vascone
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Iervolino
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Assisi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mainini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torella
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D052858:Cystocele / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010502:Perineum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver