Lower urinary tract symptoms in an elderly women caused by degeneration of the pubic symphysis

Abstract

BackgroundLower urinary tract symptoms are very common in elderly women, and transvaginal delivery and multiple deliveries have been confirmed to be risk factors. Transvaginal delivery and multiple deliveries may lead to an increase in pubic symphysis degeneration.Case presentationA 79-year-old woman consulted a urologist because of worsening lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination and urodynia. Color ultrasound and cystoscopy suggested the possibility of a bladder mass. A lump on the anterior wall of the bladder was observed although the surface mucosa was normal. Physical examination showed obvious tenderness in the posterior area of the pubic symphysis. Further urological computed tomography (CT) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a nodular bony protuberance in the posterior part of the pubic symphysis, which was more obvious than before, with compression changes near the anterior wall of bladder. Open pelvic surgery showed that nodular bone tissue originating from the pubic symphysis significantly oppressed the anterior wall of the bladder behind the pubic symphysis. After resection of the nodule, the lower urinary tract symptoms were relieved significantly.ConclusionsPubic symphysis degeneration caused by transvaginal delivery may be an important cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in women. Pelvic CT or MRI is necessary to diagnosis this condition.