Urinary dysfunction in transverse myelitis

J Urol. 1990 Jul;144(1):103-5. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)39381-3.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromyography
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myelitis / complications*
  • Myelitis, Transverse / complications*
  • Urination Disorders / etiology
  • Urination Disorders / physiopathology*
  • Urodynamics