Do repetitive Valsalva maneuvers change maximum prolapse on dynamic MRI?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study seeks to quantify differences in anterior vaginal wall prolapse during sequential Valsalva attempts on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

Subjects were taken from an on-going case-control study evaluating anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Women with a prolapse whose leading edge extended >or=1 cm beyond the hymenal ring were included (n = 40). All subjects performed three maximal Valsalva efforts while mid-sagittal dynamic MRI scans were obtained. Bladder descent between the first, second, and third maximal Valsalva efforts were compared.

RESULTS

Forty percent of women had a greater than 2-cm increase in prolapse size from their first to third Valsalva attempt. Ninety-five percent of women extended their prolapse further with a third Valsalva.

CONCLUSIONS

As is true during clinical examination, several attempts may be required to have maximal anterior compartment prolapse present during dynamic MRI of the pelvic floor.