Urinary dysfunction in transverse myelitis.
Six men and 2 women with a history of transverse myelitis and persistent lower urinary tract symptoms underwent neurourological evaluation. Of the patients, 4 were neurologically intact, while the remainder had residual neurological deficits. Urodynamic studies revealed detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia in 6 patients. Two patients had detrusor hyperreflexia, of whom 1 also had an incompetent sphincter. Erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction was reported by 3 men. We conclude that prolonged bladder and sexual dysfunction, caused by spinal cord inflammatory insult, may persist despite a systemic neurological recovery. Therefore, bladder management guided by initial and followup urodynamics is recommended.
Berger
Y
Y
Division of Urology, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick.
Blaivas
J G
JG
Oliver
L
L
D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009187:Myelitis / Q000150:complications*; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000150:complications*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014563:Urodynamics