Application of Urethral Contrast Computed Tomography Three-Dimensional Imaging in the Postoperative Assessment of Prostate Hyperplasia.

This study assesses the morphological effectiveness of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery using multislice spiral computed tomography three-dimensional imaging (CT3D) with urethral contrast. Twenty-five male patients with BPH and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) who underwent bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate were selected. Preoperative and postoperative CT3D indicators of retrograde and voiding cystourethrography, including bladder neck diameter, length of the posterior urethra, and degree of prostate protrusion into the bladder and upper and lower diameter of the prostate were used to assess bladder neck and posterior urethra morphology and BOO severity. In addition, preoperative and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Scores and maximum urine flow rates were compared. Postoperative CT3D was used to evaluate changes following obstruction relief postsurgery. Preoperative CT3D indicated significant BOO, whereas postoperative imaging showed improved patency but with irregular posterior urethral lumens and varying degrees of residual glandular tissue. Comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative bladder outlet metrics revealed significant changes (p < .05). Urethral contrast CT3D effectively visualizes the prostate, bladder neck, and prostatic urethra. It quantifies changes in the urethral lumen postsurgery, correlating the extent of posterior urethral lumen spaciousness with urinary flow rates.

MRI-based radiomic features of the urinary bladder wall identify patients with moderate-to-severe international prostate symptom score.

BACKGROUND: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a patient-reported measurement to assess the lower urinary tract symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction. Bladder outlet obstruction induces molecular and morphological alterations in the urothelium, suburothelium, detrusor smooth muscle cells, detrusor extracellular matrix, and nerves. We sought to analyze MRI-based radiomics features of the urinary bladder wall and their association with IPSS. METHOD: In this retrospective study, 87 patients who had pelvic MRI scans were identified. A biomarker discovery approach based on the optimal biomarker (OBM) method was used to extract features of the bladder wall from MR images, including morphological, intensity-based, and texture-based features, along with clinical variables. Mathematical models were created using subsets of features and evaluated based on their ability to discriminate between low and moderate-to-severe IPSS (less than 8 vs. equal to or greater than 8). RESULTS: Of the 7,666 features per patient, four highest-ranking optimal features were derived (all texture-based features), which provided a classification accuracy of 0.80 with a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81, 0.81, and 0.87, respectively. CONCLUSION: A highly independent set of urinary bladder wall features derived from MRI scans were able to discriminate between patients with low vs. moderate-to-severe IPSS with accuracy of 80%. Such differences in MRI-based properties of the bladder wall in patients with varying IPSS's might reflect differences in underlying molecular and morphological alterations that occur in the setting of chronic bladder outlet obstruction.

Correlation between bladder wall thickness and uroflowmetry in West African patients with benign prostatic enlargement.

Background: Pressure flow urodynamic study remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction; however, their use is limited by their relative unavailability in our environment, cost, and invasiveness. Measurement of bladder wall thickness (BWT) by transabdominal ultrasonography is a promising tool that can be used to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction in our environment where pressure-flow urodynamic study is not readily available. Objective: The study aimed to correlate BWT with uroflowmetry and to establish a BWT cut-off in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic enlargement. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective one-year study of patients with LUTS due to benign prostatic enlargement. The patients were divided into obstructed and non-obstructed groups with Q- max of 10 ml/s serving as the cut-off value. Receiver Operator Curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the performance of BWT in diagnosing BOO. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: The mean BWT and Q-max were 4.53 ± 2.70 mm and 15.06 ± 9.43 ml/s. There was a negative correlation between BWT and Q-max (r = -0.452, P = 0.000), Q-average (r = -0.336, P = 0.000), and voided volume (r = -0.228, P = 0.046). A BWT cut-off of 5.85 mm was found to be the best threshold to differentiate obstructed from non-obstructed patients with a sensitivity and specificity of 70 and 88.2 percent respectively. Conclusion: Bladder wall thickness showed an inverse relationship with maximum flow rate with high sensitivity and specificity. This non-invasive test can be used as a screening tool for BOO in our setting, where the pressure flow urodynamic study is not readily available.

The prostatic middle lobe: clinical significance, presentation and management.

The role of the prostatic middle lobe in the presentation and management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is under-appreciated. Middle lobe enlargement is associated with intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), which causes a unique type of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) via a 'ball-valve' mechanism. IPP is a reliable predictor of BOO and the strongest independent factor for failure of medical therapy necessitating conversion to surgical intervention. Men with middle lobe enlargement tend to exhibit mixed symptoms of both the storage and the voiding types, but symptomatology will vary depending on the degree of IPP present. Initial assessments such as uroflowmetry and post-void residual volumes are inadequate to detect IPP and could confound the clinical picture. Radiological evaluation of prostate morphology is key to assessment as it provides important prognostic information and can help with operative planning. Treatment strategies employed for BPH should consider the shape and morphology of prostate adenomata, specifically the presence of middle lobe enlargement and the degree of associated IPP.

Foggia Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator 2.0: A Novel Risk Calculator including MRI and Bladder Outlet Obstruction Parameters to Reduce Unnecessary Biopsies.

Risk calculator (RC) combining PSA with other clinical information can help to better select patients at risk of prostate cancer (PCa) for prostate biopsy. The present study aimed to develop a new Pca RC, including MRI and bladder outlet obstruction parameters (BOOP). The ability of these parameters in predicting PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa: ISUP GG ≥ 2) was assessed by binary logistic regression. A total of 728 patients were included from two institutions. Of these, 395 (54.3%) had negative biopsies and 161 (22.11%) and 172 (23.6%) had a diagnosis of ISUP GG1 PCa and csPCa. The two RC ultimately included age, PSA, DRE, prostate volume (pVol), post-voided residual urinary volume (PVR), and PIRADS score. Regarding BOOP, higher prostate volumes (csPCa: OR 0.98, CI 0.97,0.99) and PVR ≥ 50 mL (csPCa: OR 0.27, CI 0.15, 0.47) were protective factors for the diagnosis of any PCa and csPCa. AUCs after internal validation were 0.78 (0.75, 0.82) and 0.82 (0.79, 0.86), respectively. Finally, decision curves analysis demonstrated higher benefit compared to the first-generation calculator and MRI alone. These novel RC based on MRI and BOOP may help to better select patient for prostate biopsy after prostate MRI.

Bladder Sonomorphological Tests in Diagnosing Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the accuracy of bladder sonomorphological parameters including detrusor wall thickness (DWT) and ultrasound-estimated bladder weight (UEBW) for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted through databases including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Medicine, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Database, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science, and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) to select studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of DWT and UEBW to diagnose BOO in adults with LUTS. Databases were searched from inception to 2020 without restriction. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2), and measures of accuracy were calculated using random-effects model. RESULTS: The initial search included 84 publications, of which 78 publications were screened, and 16 studies with 1,847 patients finally contained diagnostic data. The results from 10 out of 16 studies assessing DWT showed a pooled sensitivity (SSY) of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.56-0.78) and specificity (SPY) of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82-0.96) with I2 values of 93%, while 6 studies evaluating UEBW were analyzed with a SSY of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78-0.93) and SPY of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67-0.90) with I2 values of 83%. CONCLUSIONS: DWT shows high SPY, and UEBW performs high SSY of diagnosing BOO. Further well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the utilization of DWT and UEBW for the diagnosis of BOO.

Impact of the bladder detrusor muscular ring on lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A quantitative MRI analysis.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to quantitatively analyze anatomic characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess novel independent factors for symptoms. METHODS: This retrospective single-institution study evaluated treatment-naïve men who underwent prostate MRI within 3 months of international prostate symptom score (IPSS) scoring from June 2021 to February 2022. Factors measured on MRI included: size of the detrusor muscular ring (DMR) surrounding the bladder outlet, central gland (CG) mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), levator hiatus (LH) volume, intrapelvic volume, intravesicular prostate protrusion (IPP) volume, CG volume, peripheral zone (PZ) volume, prostate urethra angle (PUA), and PZ background ordinal score. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis were used to analyze factors for moderate/severe (IPSS ≥ 8) and severe LUTS/BPH (IPSS ≥ 20). RESULTS: A total of 303 men (mean age: 66.1 [SD: 8.1]) were included: 154 demonstrated moderate or severe symptoms with 28 severe and 149 with asymptomatic/mild symptoms. Increasing age [p = 0.02; odds ratio (OR): 1.05 (1.01-1.08)], PUA [p = 0.02; OR: 1.05 (1.01-1.09)], LH volume [p = 0.04; OR: 1.02 (1.00-1.05)], and DMR size measured as diameter [p < 0.001; OR: 5.0 (3.01-8.38)] or area [p < 0.001; OR: 1.92 (1.47-2.49)] were significantly independently associated with moderate/severe symptoms, with BMI [p = 0.02; OR: 0.93 (0.88-0.99)] inversely related. For every one cm increase in DMR diameter, patients had approximately five times the odds for moderate/severe symptoms. Increasing DMR size [diameter p < 0.001; OR: 2.74 (1.76-4.27) or area p < 0.001; OR: 1.37 (1.18-1.58)] was independently associated with severe symptoms. Optimal criterion cutoff of DMR diameter for moderate/severe symptoms was 1.2 cm [sensitivity: 77.3; specificity: 71.8; AUC: 0.80 (0.75-0.84)]. Inter-reader reliability was excellent for DMR diameter [ICC = 0.92 (0.90-0.94)]. CONCLUSION: Expansion of the DMR surrounding the bladder outlet is a novel anatomic factor independently associated with moderate and severe LUTS/BPH, taking into account prostate volumes, including quantified IPP volume, which were unrelated. Detrusor ring diameter, easily and reliably measured on routine prostate MRI, may relate to detrusor dysfunction from chronic stretching of this histologically distinct smooth muscle around the bladder neck.

Bladder wall thickness measured by CT can predict bladder outlet obstruction in men: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether bladder wall thickness (BWT) measured by CT can be used to predict bladder outlet obstruction in men with low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: From 2015 to 2018, a total of 120 men with lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent both urodynamic studies and CT tests of the lower abdomen or pelvis were involved. Bladder wall thickness values were measured by CT scanning. RESULTS: Based on the urodynamic studies, 120 men were categorized into two groups, including 70/120 men (58.3%) in the bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) group and 50/120 men (41.7%) in the non-BOO group. The mean BWT was thicker in the BOO group than in the non-BOO group (3.87 vs. 2.75 mm, p < 0.001). The mean maximum bladder capacity (MBC) was lower in the BOO group than in the non-BOO group (263.42 vs. 308.96 ml, p < 0.001). The mean detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow rate (PdetQmax) was higher in the patients in the BOO group than in those in the non-BOO group (102.28 vs. 49.25 cmH2O, p < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that BWT was a good predictor with an AUC of 0.855 (95% CI 0.785-0.924, p < 0.001). At the cutoff value of 3.20 mm, the predictive sensitivity of BWT for BOO was 72.9%, and the specificity was 90%. CONCLUSION: Increased bladder wall thickness was correlated with bladder outlet obstruction in men with LUTS. Bladder wall thickness measured by CT scans may be a noninvasive parameter to predict bladder outlet obstruction in men with LUTS.

Correlation between prostate volume measured by ultrasound and symptoms severity score in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy in Southeastern Nigeria.

Background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a common urological condition in men older than 50 years. It is important in the aetiologies of life-threatening obstructive uropathies. Ultrasound measurement of prostate volume is non-invasive, easily available, and a cost-effective method, useful in assessing bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) on the other hand objectively assesses symptoms severity in BOO patients. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the correlation between ultrasound-measured prostate volume and IPSS in men with BPH. Patients and Methods: Following ethical approval from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Ethical Committee, 100 patients who met the inclusion criteria and were diagnosed with clinical BPH were enrolled into the study. They had no other identifiable cause of BOO except BPH after clinical evaluation. The IPSS, Quality of life score (QOL), and prostate volumes were measured. Correlation between prostate volume, IPSS, and QOL were done using SPSS version 20. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 69.3 ± 10.6 years with a range of 48-100 years. The mean prostate volume, IPSS, and QOL were 96.0 ± 70.5 cm3, 15.63 ± 8.6, and 4.8 ± 1.3, respectively. The highest recorded IPSS was 35 and the lowest was 4, whereas the smallest and largest recorded prostate volumes were 19 cm3 and 350 cm3, respectively. Nocturia was the major IPSS subscore. There was a weak positive correlation between prostate volume and IPSS in men with BPH (r = +0.109; P = 0.28) and between prostate volume and QOL (r = +0.072; P = 0.45). There was also a weak positive correlation between patients with only severe symptoms and corresponding prostate volumes (r = +0.122; P = 0.125). The correlation between patients with severe symptoms and their corresponding QOL was strong (r = +0.537; P = 0.135, respectively). These findings were, however, not statistically significant. Conclusion: There is a weak positive correlation between prostate volume measured by ultrasound and symptoms severity scores in patients with BPH, although not statistically significant. This may be as a result of the small sample size. A larger sample size may be able to achieve statistical significance.

Supraspinal Neural Changes in Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Undergoing Bladder Outlet Procedures: A Pilot Functional MRI Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore brain activation patterns on functional MRI (fMRI) in men with BPH and BOO before and after outlet obstruction procedures. METHODS: Men age ≥45 who failed conservative BPH therapy planning to undergo BOO procedures were recruited. Eligible men underwent a concurrent fMRI/urodynamics testing before and 6 months after BOO procedure. fMRI images were obtained via 3 Tesla MRI. Significant blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal activated voxels (P <.05) were identified at strong desire to void and (attempt at) voiding initiation pre- and post-BOO procedure. RESULTS: Eleven men were enrolled, of which 7 men completed the baseline scan, and 4 men completed the 6-month follow-up scan. Baseline decreased BOLD activity was observed in right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), bilateral insula, inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and thalamus. Significant changes in BOLD signal activity following BOO procedures were observed in the insula, IFG, and cingulate cortices. CONCLUSIONS: This represents a pilot study evaluating cortical activity in men with BPH and BOO. Despite limitations we found important changes in supraspinal activity in men with BPH and BOO during filling and emptying phases at baseline and following BOO procedure, with the potential to improve our understanding of neuroplasticity secondary to BPH and BOO. This preliminary data may serve as the foundation for larger future trials.

MRI and MR voiding cystourethrography in the evaluation of male primary bladder neck obstruction: preliminary experience.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of male with primary bladder neck obstruction (PBNO) using MRI and MR voiding cystourethrography (MR-VCU) to study both anatomical aspects of bladder neck and urethral lumen. METHODS: In this retrospective study 21 male patients (mean age 33 ± 14) with urodynamic diagnosis of PBNO and 5 healthy volunteers ((mean age 28 ± 2) as control group were enrolled. Both patients and control group underwent 1.5 T MRI. Sagittal and oblique coronal Turbo-Spin-Echo T2-weighted scans were performed. Only patients underwent MR voiding cystourethrography (MR-VCU) performed with T1-weighted spoiled 3D gradient-echo sagittal acquisitions. Bladder lumen was filled with contrast-material-enhanced urine. Blinded test by two radiologists was performed to evaluate causes of bladder outlet obstruction evaluating MR-VCU. Anatomical MRI features of both control group and patients were compared in consensus by senior radiologist and urologist using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: MRI allowed evaluation of the bladder neck muscular structures. We found 4 groups of PBNO patients: 52% hypertrophy of posterior lip of bladder sphincter; 20% asymmetry of lateral portion of bladder sphincter; 14% bladder neck cyst; 14% showed normal aspect of bladder neck. Comparison between the control group and first and second PBNO groups was considered statistically significant (p < 0.05) with diagnostic accuracy of 87%. Only 13 patients (61%) were able to perform MR-VCU and radiologists always made the diagnosis of PBNO. CONCLUSION: MRI together with MR-VCU provides useful anatomical and functional information in the study of bladder neck and urethral lumen. These preliminary results suggest that MRI could substitute for standard cystourethrogram in patients with PBNO.

[Correlation between detrusor thickness, intravesical prostatic protrusion and maximum urinary flow in the monitoring of benign prostatic hyperplasia]. / Corrélation entre épaisseur du détrusor, index de protrusion prostatique et débit urinaire maximal dans le suivi de l'hypertrophie bénigne de la prostate.

INTRODUCTION: Detrusor thickness (DT) and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) are closely related to bladder outlet obstruction. The aim of our study was to look for correlation between DT, IPP and maximum urinary flow (Qmax). METHODS: It is a prospective, observational study including men over fifty managed for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Low urinary tract symptoms were assessed with the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS). Pelvic ultrasound was performed for all patients measuring prostatic volume, bladder volume, post- void residual, DT and IPP. Uroflowmetry was performed for all patients, Qmax was noted. Qmax equal or less than 15ml/s was considered pathologic. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included for our study. Strong negative correlation was noted between DT, IPP and Qmax (r=-0.59, r=-0.61 respectively). Patients with pathologic Qmax had higher DT and IPP than those with normal Qmax, the difference was significant (P<0.01). Threshold values predicting pathologic Qmax were 3mm for DT and 7mm for IPP. ROC analysis reveals for DT an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI 0.76-0.92) and for IPP an AUC of 0.88 (95% CI 0.80-0.97). CONCLUSION: Detrusor thickness and intravesical prostatic protrusion have strong negative correlation with Qmax. These parameters could be an alternative to Qmax measurement if uroflowmetry is unavailable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Grade B.

Severe urinary tract damage secondary to primary bladder neck obstruction in women.

OBJECTIVE: To present the clinical and radiological characteristics of women with severe structural deterioration of the bladder and upper urinary tract secondary to Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction (PBNO), and their outcomes after bladder neck incision (BNI). METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of adult women who underwent BNI for PBNO at one institution. Patients were assessed for symptoms, renal function, structural abnormalities of the urinary tract and video-urodynamics. PBNO diagnosis was confirmed with video-urodynamics in all patients. BNI was performed at the 4-5 and/or 7-8 o'clock positions. Postoperative symptoms, PVR, uroflowmetry and renal function were evaluated and compared to baseline. RESULTS: Median patient age was 56.5 years (range 40-80). All presented with urinary retention-four were on clean intermittent Catheterization (CIC) and two with a Foley catheter. All patients had bladder wall thickening and diverticula. Four women had elevated creatinine levels, bilateral hydronephrosis was present in five (83.3%). After BNI, all patients resumed spontaneous voiding without the need for CIC. Median Qmax significantly improved from 2.0 [1.0-4.0] mL/s to 15 [10-22.7] mL/s (p = 0.031). Median PVR decreased from 150 to 46 [22-76] mL (p = 0.031). There were no postoperative complications. Creatinine levels returned to normal in 3/4 (75%) patients. CONCLUSION: PBNO in women may result in severe damage to the bladder and upper urinary tract. Despite severe structural abnormalities of the bladder, BNI was effective in reducing symptoms and improving structural and functional abnormalities of the lower and upper urinary tract.

Popping the Balloon: A Giant Colonic Diverticulum Complicated by Bladder Neck Compression.

Giant colonic diverticulum, defined as a single diverticulum ≤ 4 cm, is rarely encountered. Due to the high incidence of complications related to the disease, obtaining the correct diagnosis early in the disease course is essential. Diagnosis is usually reached by conventional and cross-sectional abdominal radiography. Treatment decisions should be ideally made by a multidisciplinary discussion among surgeons, interventional radiologists, and the patient. The treatment of choice is the surgical management by open or laparoscopic approach.

Urodynamics in Posterior Urethral Valve: Pursuit of prognostication or optimisation.

INTRODUCTION: Detrusor dysfunction is known to persist in several patients of Posterior Urethral Valve (PUV) after successful fulguration leading to progressive deterioration of renal function. Persistent bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in the form of bladder neck hypertrophy, residual valves or strictures may contribute to progressive detrusor dysfunction. These are assessed radiologically or cystoscopically and are managed variedly by anticholinergics, alpha-adrenergic blockers or even bladder neck incision. Unfortunately, currently we do not have any objective measures to evaluate the degree of BOO in children or follow treatment outcome of any such measures. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of pressure flow studies in children and proposition of an age independent index to quantify outflow parameters. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively studied the urodynamic data of the follow up cases of PUV who had been referred to us for urodynamic evaluation. Free flow uroflowmetries and filling and voiding cystometrogram were performed as per recommended protocol. Parameters like Adjusted Bladder Capacity (ABC = Voided volume + post void residue; expressed as percentage of expected bladder capacity {EBC}), overactivity, compliance, Qmax and P det at Qmax were taken into consideration. Indices like Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) and Bladder Contractility Index (BCI) were calculated. Multivariate analysis was run to assess correlation of ABC with other parameters. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess predictive values of BOOI for ABC. RESULTS: We did not find the ABC to change with age as has been classically described. Qmax and BCI were found to correlate with age. Values obtained for P det at Qmax and BOOI were not dependent on age and were in similar range as observed in adults. On multivariate analysis, small bladder was found to positively correlate with presence of overactivity, high BOOI and low BCI. ROC curve analysis showed a BOOI >29 could predict ABC to be <100% EBC with moderate sensitivity and specificity. DISCUSSION: Pressure flow studies are the only objective means of quantifying outlet resistance, hitherto they have been considered to be unrepresentative in children. Documentation and correction of high outflow pressures may arrest the cycle of detrusor hypertrophy and dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Quality pressure flow studies are feasible in children. Values of P det at Qmax and BOOI in children are age independent and similar to those observed in adults. BOOI can be potentially used in children to assess degree of BOO.

Fetal bladder outflow obstruction: Interventions, outcomes and management uncertainties.

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is classically based on prenatal ultrasound identification of a dilated/ thick-walled bladder, bilateral hydronephrosis, dilated ureters and a dilated posterior urethra (also known as the "keyhole sign") in a male fetus. Although the most common underlying diagnosis is posterior urethral valves, the prenatal appearance may be similar with urethral atresia or stenosis, the Prune-Belly Syndrome, or even a cloacal anomaly in a female. These conditions form part of the Congenital Anomalies of Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) spectrum, which is the commonest cause of end-stage renal disease in children. Although it is difficult to predict postnatal renal function from the prenatal appearance, studies have recently identified predictive features (based on ultrasound findings and fetal biochemistry), and established staging systems to assist with counselling, and, where indicated, patient selection for in-utero intervention. Current in-utero therapy includes amnio-infusion, vesico-amniotic shunting, and fetal cystoscopy with valve ablation or urethral stenting. Postnatal survival and renal functional outcomes, complications and management uncertainties are described, highlighting areas of future development.

Functional Evaluation of Upper Urinary Tract with Diuretic Mercaptoacetyltriglycine Renal Scans in Patients with Benign Prostatic Obstruction before and after Surgical Intervention: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated which benign prostatic hyperplasia-related lower urinary parameters are related to upper urinary tract obstruction and whether transurethral prostatectomy could improve upper urinary tract obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with prostate size over 30 g and urodynamically proven bladder outlet obstruction were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Bladder wall thickness and prostate size were measured by ultrasonography. A urodynamic study with laboratory tests including serum creatinine, prostate-specific antigen, and urinalysis was performed. Finally, a diuretic scintigraphy using mercaptoacetyltriglycine was performed. Tests except the urodynamic evaluation were repeated after transurethral prostatectomy. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients were enrolled, and 19 patients completed the present study. The mean values of age (yrs), prostate size (mL), bladder thickness (mm), bladder compliance (ΔmL/Δpr), and the bladder outlet obstruction index were 68.42 ± 8.25, 72.29 ± 32.78, 4.42 ± 1.14, 50.17 ± 32.15, and 82.11 ± 34.68, respectively. The mean T1/2 (min) was 17.51 ± 16.34 on the left side and 15.30 ± 11.96 on the right side. Statistical analysis showed that bladder compliance and bladder thickness were preoperatively related to upper urinary tract obstruction (p = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). Diuretic mercaptoacetyltriglycine scan in 19 patients showed improvement 6 months after prostate surgery. Clinically significant proteinuria was associated with upper urinary tract obstruction, and proteinuria was also improved after prostate surgery. CONCLUSION: Storage-phase bladder dysfunction could be a reliable urodynamic factor for the indication of upper urinary tract obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and upper urinary tract obstruction with subsequent kidney damage could be improved by surgical decompression of benign prostatic obstruction.