Correlation of Cervical Length, Anterior Uterocervical Angle, and Cervical Elastography with the Incidence of Preterm Labor

Abstract

Abstract Objectives  The aim of this study is to find the correlation of cervical length, anterior uterocervical angle, and cervical elastography with the incidence of preterm labor through evaluation by transvaginal ultrasonography during routine anomaly scan and to analyze the correlation of the parameters with each other. Methods  Cross-sectional comparative study was undertaken on singleton pregnant women coming for anomaly scan between 18 and 24 weeks. Cervical length and anterior uterocervical angle were measured in the mid-sagittal section. Strain elastography was used for measuring cervical strain. Color map was obtained for the entire cervix and the color code for the degree of cervical stiffness was noted. Results  Though the mean value of cervical length was significantly lower in preterm group (3.2 cm) than in term group (3.6 cm), it was more than the cutoff value of 2.5 cm, below which it is routinely considered as short cervix indicative of preterm labor. Mean value of anterior uterocervical angle was significantly higher in women with preterm (112.3 degrees) delivery than those with term (82.2 degrees) delivery. Mean strain values of cervical elastography were significantly different in term (0.130) and preterm groups (0.179). Color code in elastography was independent of preterm labor. There was a significant positive correlation of cervical length with gestational age at delivery (GAD). A significant negative correlation was observed between acute anterior uterocervical angle with the GAD. Conclusion  Anterior uterocervical angle has a definitive role in the prediction of preterm labor and so it can be combined with the conventional cervical length screening in identifying women with normal cervical length who are at high risk of preterm labor. Cervical elastography assesses the cervical consistency and also has the potential for identifying high-risk women.