Is ultrasound estimation of bladder weight a useful tool in the assessment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between ultrasound estimation of bladder weight (UEBW), symptoms and urodynamic diagnosis.

METHODS

Women with lower urinary tract symptoms underwent urodynamics studies and measurement of UEBW at a fixed bladder volume.

RESULTS

Women with overactive bladder symptoms had a median UEBW of 48.3 g (95% CI 44-52), with stress urinary incontinence a median UEBW of 35.1 g (95% CI 30-41) and with mixed urinary incontinence a median UEBW of 40.0 g (95% CI 37-43) (p<0.001). Women with detrusor overactivity had a median UEBW of 48.0 g (95% CI 46-51), with urodynamic stress incontinence a median UEBW of 30 g (95% CI 29-31) and detrusor overactivity and urodynamic stress incontinence a median UEBW of 37.3 g (95% CI 33-41) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

UEBW is higher in women with overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity. UEBW may be a useful tool in women with lower urinary tract symptoms.