OBJECTIVE

To assess the concordance between phenotypic evaluation and computerized morphometric findings in the diagnosis of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia (UCTD), and to determine the association between the severity of UCTD and the recurrence rate of incisional ventral hernia (IVH).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was based on an analysis of phenotypic features of UCTD in patients with IVH and their correlation with morphometric assessment of the rectus abdominis aponeurosis, including evaluation of the collagen type I to type III ratio. A total of 94 patients were enrolled. The study group comprised 84 patients with IVH and varying degrees of UCTD. The control group included 10 patients who had undergone laparotomy without subsequent IVH formation and without signs of UCTD. The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, hernia defect size, and comorbidity burden. All patients underwent phenotypic assessment of UCTD using the Luzgina-Shkurupiy method. Morphometric analysis of the anterior aponeurotic layer was performed in 40 patients with IVH and different degrees of UCTD, as well as in 10 control patients.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences in parameters reflecting the collagen type I/type III ratio were identified among patients with mild, moderate, and severe UCTD (p<0.05). A significant increase in the risk of IVH recurrence was observed with increasing severity of UCTD (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the clinical importance of considering UCTD severity when selecting the method of anterior abdominal wall repair. Phenotypic assessment of UCTD using the Luzgina-Shkurupiy method demonstrates good agreement with morphometric data and may be recommended as a screening tool in patients with incisional ventral hernias.