Myometrial elasticity determined by elastosonography to predict preterm labor

Abstract

Elastosonographic evaluation of uterine myometrium was found to be significantly correlated with cervical length but cervical length measurement is a better predictor for preterm labor than ES.

Can myometrial elasticity, as determined by elastography at 18–22 weeks of gestation, predict preterm delivery?

“…The investigators reported that transvaginal cervical length is obviously a preferable predictor for preterm labor compared to elastography, in spite of the significant correlation between elastographic assessment of uterine myometrium and transvaginal cervical length. 9 The results of the present study were consistent with the study of Ozkaya et al in that our study revealed a close relation between stiffness of the uterine myometrium and preterm birth. In addition, a linear regression model showed that the ratio of uterine myometrium strain to fat tissue strain was found as the only significant predictor for preterm delivery.…”

“…Ozkaya et al investigated the efficiency of uterine myometrial elastographic measurements on predicting preterm labor by comparing the outcomes with a widely verified method: cervical length measurement. The investigators reported that transvaginal cervical length is obviously a preferable predictor for preterm labor compared to elastography, in spite of the significant correlation between elastographic assessment of uterine myometrium and transvaginal cervical length . The results of the present study were consistent with the study of Ozkaya et al in that our study revealed a close relation between stiffness of the uterine myometrium and preterm birth.…”

“…In this context, the source of the mechanical activity during the delivery of the fetus is triggered in the fundus, which makes the fundus the most significant part of myometrium. Premature uterine contractions with sufficient frequency and intensity begin from the uterine fundus, leading to a shortening of the cervix and thus preterm labor . Ozkaya et al , investigating the association between uterine myometrial elastosonography and cervical length, demonstrated that the elasticity of the uterine myometrium is closely correlated with cervical length …”

“…Premature uterine contractions with sufficient frequency and intensity begin from the uterine fundus, leading to a shortening of the cervix and thus preterm labor. 8,9 Ozkaya et al, investigating the association between uterine myometrial elastosonography and cervical length, demonstrated that the elasticity of the uterine myometrium is closely correlated with cervical length. 9 In relation, it was hypothesized that the elasticity of myometrial tissue can be used as a predictor of preterm birth.…”

“…8,9 Ozkaya et al, investigating the association between uterine myometrial elastosonography and cervical length, demonstrated that the elasticity of the uterine myometrium is closely correlated with cervical length. 9 In relation, it was hypothesized that the elasticity of myometrial tissue can be used as a predictor of preterm birth. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the association between preterm delivery and myometrial elasticity, and to determine the relation between cervical length and myometrial tissue elasticity to predict preterm delivery.…”