Neurogenic Bladder in Infants and Children

Abstract

Video-urodynamics, the gold standard for extended diagnosis in the neuropathic bladder, which combines urodynamics and VCU, |has only limited availability, and significant involvement by radiologists is rare. Radiologists, however, are often involved in evaluating children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Radiologists performing VCUs and other imaging studies in children with neurogenic bladder should have an understanding of the pathophysiology and neurourology of these disorders, and they should be familiar with a modified VCU technique which can be accomplished with equipment currently available in radiological departments. This technique allows a more functional evaluation of the lower urinary tract and therefore allows detection of risk factors for upper urinary-tract deterioration. By incorporating aspects of modified VCU or urodynamic results, the ability to predict which neonates and infants are at risk for upper urinarytract deterioration can be improved. Medical and surgical treatment can begin prior to the onset of urinary tract deterioration.