Positive ice-water test: a predictor of neurological disease?
The urinary bladder is equipped with a reflex system including cold receptors of the bladder wall and having reflex pathways partly separate from the normal micturition reflex. The ice-water test involves cooling of the bladder wall with ice-cold saline solution. In the neurologically intact adult the test is negative. A positive test indicates overt or occult neuropathy. In this report, examples are given of patients presenting with bladder symptoms and a positive test but initially lacking signs of a neurological condition. During follow-up, various neurogenic diseases appeared. It is suggested that a positive ice-water test may represent a negative prognostic urodynamic sign along with a potential risk for neurogenic disease to come.
Fall
M
M
Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Geirsson
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D014563:Urodynamics