COMPARISON OF SCAR THICKNESS MEASUREMENT USING TRANSABDOMINAL SONOGRAPHY AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) IN PATIENTS WITH PREVIOUS CAESAREAN SECTION

Abstract

Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare the measurement of lower uterine segment (LUS) scar thickness using trans abdominal sonography (TAS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients who had a history of previous caesarean section.

Study Design:
Comparative cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study:
Department of Radiology, CMH Rawalpindi, from 20th May 2024 to 20th November 2024.

Methodology:
A total of 100 pregnant women with a history of at least one previous caesarean section were included in this study. All patients were in the third trimester of pregnancy and were referred for evaluation of lower uterine segment scar. The scar thickness was measured using trans abdominal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. During ultrasound examination the lower uterine segment was visualized and the thickness of the scar was measured at the thinnest area of the anterior uterine wall. MRI examination was also performed and measurements were taken from the same region of the lower uterine segment to maintain consistency. Basic demographic information like age and gestational age was also recorded. The collected data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 26. Mean scar thickness obtained by both imaging methods was calculated and compared using paired t test. In addition, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between measurements obtained by ultrasound and MRI.

Results:
The mean scar thickness measured by trans abdominal sonography was found to be 3.45 ± 0.89 mm, while MRI showed a mean thickness of 3.52 ± 0.94 mm. The measurements obtained by both imaging techniques were quite close to each other. Statistical analysis showed a strong positive correlation between the two methods with correlation coefficient r = 0.86 and p value less than 0.001. There was no statistically significant difference between the scar thickness measurements obtained by ultrasound and MRI.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study suggest that trans abdominal sonography shows a strong correlation with MRI for measuring caesarean scar thickness. Because ultrasound is more easily available, less expensive and quicker to perform, it can be used as a reliable method for routine assessment of lower uterine segment scars in patients with previous caesarean section