Vaginal microcirculation: Non-invasive anatomical examination of the micro-vessel architecture, tortuosity and capillary density

Weber, Maaike A.; Milstein, Dan M.J.; İnce, Can; Rengerink, Katrien Oude; Roovers, Jan‐Paul W. R.

doi:10.1002/nau.22662

Cited by 20 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Therefore, it is not possible to use these programs for analysis of vaginal images, and it is impossible to compare density parameters between different architecture scores. In this study, we calculated capillary density by manually counting loops per field of view in architecture score 1 and 2 dominant tissue (as was validated by Weber et al). Unfortunately, with this method, capillary density cannot be calculated in architecture score 2 and 3 tissue, since capillary loops were limited to absent.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This scoring system allows for classification of subepithelial vascular patterns . Microvascular architecture scores from each measurement site were examined and systematically classified with a score of 1, 2, or 3.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A frame was judged suitable for assessment if capillary loops and the presence or absence of twists could be clearly identified. Capillary tortuosity was classified as score 0: no twists (or pinhead capillaries) to 4: four or more twists . The overall tortuosity score per anatomical region per subject was determined by selecting the most frequently observed tortuosity score in the available frames.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of topical estrogen therapy on the vaginal microcirculation in women with vulvovaginal atrophy

Diedrich

Kastelein

Verri

et al. 2019

Neurourology and Urodynamics

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AimsThis study aims to assess vaginal wall angioarchitecture and function in women with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and determine the effect of topical estrogen on the vaginal microcirculation.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective observational study, incident dark field imaging was used to assess the vaginal microcirculation. In patients with VVA, measurements were performed before and after treatment with topical estrogen and compared to measurements performed in women without VVA. Vaginal angioarchitecture was studied by assessing microcirculatory architecture and capillary tortuosity scores at four regions of the vaginal wall. In addition, the capillary density and microvascular flow index (MFI) were obtained.ResultsSeventeen women were included in this study. Of these, eight women were diagnosed with VVA and nine women were considered healthy controls. Significant differences were observed between groups with regard to microcirculatory architecture scores. The architecture of the microvasculature in women with VVA was characterized by the appearance of a vascular network without capillary loops, whereas an array of capillary loops was predominantly seen in women without VVA. After estrogen treatment, no difference in architecture scores between patients and healthy controls was observed. Capillary tortuosity, capillary density, and MFI were similar in both groups before and after estrogen treatment.ConclusionsThe architecture of vaginal microvasculature is altered in patients with VVA. In case of similar vascular architecture, capillary tortuosity and density seem to be comparable. Treatment with topical estrogen results in restoration of the angioarchitecture.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of topical estrogen therapy on the vaginal microcirculation in women with vulvovaginal atrophy

Diedrich

Kastelein

Verri

et al. 2019

Neurourology and Urodynamics

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“…Peritoneal angioarchitecture was examined and classified as 1 of 3 types of vascular patterns, as validated and described by Weber et al [23]. These vascular patterns include the appearance of capillary loops (score 1), the appearance of capillary loops in combination with capillary networks (score 2), and the appearance of only capillary networks (score 3).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intraoperative Incident Dark Field Imaging of the Human Peritoneal Microcirculation

Kastelein

Milstein

et al. 2018

J Vasc Res

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Background/Aims: This study describes the peritoneal microcirculation, compares quantitative parameters and angioarchitecture to the standard of sublingual microcirculatory assessment, and determines the practical feasibility of this method. Methods: Incident dark field imaging was performed of the peritoneum and sublingually to determine angioarchitecture, total and perfused vessel density (TVD and PVD), the proportion of perfused vessels (PPV), the microvascular flow index (MFI) and image acquisition time. Results: Peritoneal angioarchitecture was characterized by a quadrangular network of longitudinally oriented capillaries, often flanked by fat cells. Differences between peritoneal and sublingual microcirculation were observed with regard to TVD (peritoneum 12 mm/mm² [95% CI 10–14] vs. sublingual 23 mm/mm² [95% CI 21–25]; p < 0.0001), PVD (peritoneum 11 mm/mm² [95% CI 9–13] vs. sublingual 23 mm/mm² [95% CI 21–25]; p < 0.0001), PPV (peritoneum 88% [95% CI 79–97] vs. sublingual 99% [95% CI 99–100]; p = 0.014), and MFI (peritoneum 3 [IQR 2.3–3.0] vs. sublingual 3 [IQR 3.0–3.0]; p = 0.012). There was no difference in image acquisition time (peritoneum 2: 34 min [95% CI 1: 49–3: 19] vs. sublingual 2: 38 [95% CI 1: 37–3: 32]; p = 0.916). Conclusion: The peritoneal microcirculation was characterized by a low capillary density and a distinctive angioarchitecture. The possibility of peritoneal microcirculatory assessment offers promise for the study of peritoneal (patho-)physiology and (monitoring or detection of) associated diseases.

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“…We previously showed that the morphology, architecture, and capillary density of the vaginal microcirculation can be reliably and consistently quantified using sidestream dark‐field imaging (SDFI) in healthy young women . If, and to what extent, the vaginal microcirculation is altered in women with POP is at present unknown.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is pelvic organ prolapse associated with altered microcirculation of the vaginal wall?

Weber

Milstein

İnce

et al. 2015

Neurourol. Urodynam.

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Vaginal microcirculation: Non-invasive anatomical examination of the micro-vessel architecture, tortuosity and capillary density

Cited by 20 publications

References 23 publications

Effects of topical estrogen therapy on the vaginal microcirculation in women with vulvovaginal atrophy

Effects of topical estrogen therapy on the vaginal microcirculation in women with vulvovaginal atrophy

Intraoperative Incident Dark Field Imaging of the Human Peritoneal Microcirculation

Is pelvic organ prolapse associated with altered microcirculation of the vaginal wall?

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