Uterocervical angle: a novel ultrasound screening tool to predict spontaneous preterm birth.

Background Mechanical alteration of the cervical angle has been proposed to reduce spontaneous preterm birth. Performance of the uterocervical angle as measured by ultrasound for predicting spontaneous preterm birth is poorly understood. Objective We sought to determine whether a novel ultrasonographic marker, uterocervical angle, correlates with risk of spontaneous preterm birth in a general population. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study from May 2014 through May 2015 of singleton gestations between 16 0/7-23 6/7 weeks undergoing transvaginal ultrasound for cervical length screening. Images were remeasured for uterocervical angle between the lower uterine segment and the cervical canal. Primary outcome was prediction of spontaneous preterm birth Results A total of 972 women were studied. The rate of spontaneous preterm birth in this cohort was 9.6% for delivery P P P P Conclusion A wide uterocervical angle ≥95 and ≥105 degrees detected during the second trimester was associated with an increased risk for spontaneous preterm birth