How repeatable is assessment of external anal sphincter trauma by exoanal 4D ultrasound?

• DOI: 10.1002/uog.20175
• Publication Date: 2018-11-14T07:15:47Z
• Authors: F. Turel Fatakia; N. Subramaniam; J. Bienkiewicz; T. Friedman; H. P. Dietz
• Keywords: Repeatability; External anal sphincter; Anal sphincter

ABSTRACT Objective Three‐/four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS) is gaining popularity for the assessment of anal sphincter trauma, although repeatability data are lacking. This study aimed to determine tomographic imaging (TUI) on TLUS diagnosis external (EAS) trauma and compare performance a novice with that an experienced investigator. Methods was retrospective archived datasets patients who presented symptoms pelvic floor dysfunction were examined twice between 2012 2016 at average interval 260 (range, 1–1100) days. All volumes obtained using GE Medical Systems Voluson 730 Expert or E8 system. Post‐processing performed independently by two investigators, one over 1 year's experience another no prior in TUI, blinded clinical data, each other's results first timepoint. Significant EAS diagnosed if four six TUI slices showed defect ≥ 30°. Intra‐ interobserver agreement determined Cohen's kappa (κ) intraclass correlation coefficients. Results During period, 105 women underwent assessments sphincter. Of these, 103 available both timepoints included analysis. The investigator demonstrated significant single‐slice (κ, 0.30 0.22, respectively) despite relatively high measurements (84.5% 79.3%, respectively). good very 0.91 0.78, assessments, which equates 98.1% 94.7% agreement, respectively. Conclusion seems be when undertaken state‐of‐the‐art equipment analysis observer; however, much poorer. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published John Wiley & Sons Ltd.