Cysto-urethrographic appearance of the bladder and posterior urethra in neuromuscular disorders of the lower urinary tract.

Abstract

Cysto-urethrography in the straight lateral projection with simultaneous intravesical pressure recording was performed in 57 patients with localized neurological lesions at different levels. All patients were previously extensively evaluated urodynamically. Bladder trabeculation was not related to level of neurological lesion or reflex pattern of the detrusor. Serration of the bladder wall was a reliable sign of a contracting detrusor in bladders without severe trabeculation. Open bladder neck at rest was related to lesion of the peripheral parasympathetic nervous system, while supposed insufficient bladder neck opening during voiding could be related neither to pressure-flow parameters nor to site of neurological lesion. No specific configuration of bladder or urethra could be related to lesion of the sympathetic nervous system.