Large amounts of debris in the neuropathic bladder in persons with spinal cord injury; value of ultrasound scan in detection and management of vesical debris

Abstract

Persons with spinal cord injury are at risk for developing debris in the neuropathic bladder. Ultrasound scan of the urinary bladder helps to (1) detect debris, (2) differentiate debris from other bladder lesions, (3) alert the spinal cord physician to review bladder management, and (4) monitor the effect of various treatment regime to clear the debris. We present 4 cases to illustrate the sonographic appearances of debris in the neuropathic bladder and how treatment plans tailored to the needs of the individual patient helped to clear the debris.

Keywords

• Spinal cord injury
• Urinary bladder
• Neuropathic bladder
• Tetraplegia
• Urinary tract infections
• Indwelling urinary catheter