Urinary dysfunction in transverse myelitis

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.