From the Research
The normal post-void bladder wall thickness in adult males on ultrasound is typically less than or equal to 1.23 mm, as indicated by the most recent study 1.
Importance of Measurement
This measurement is crucial in assessing bladder health and detecting potential pathologies.
- It should be taken when the bladder is empty (post-void) as the wall appears thicker when contracted compared to when distended.
- Measurements exceeding this value may suggest pathological conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, neurogenic bladder, or inflammatory conditions.
Method of Measurement
The measurement is best obtained using a transabdominal approach with a full bladder first to locate the organ, followed by post-void assessment.
- Ultrasound assessment should include measurements at multiple points of the bladder wall to ensure accuracy, as thickness can vary between different regions of the bladder.
Clinical Significance
Bladder wall thickness serves as an important parameter in urological evaluations as it can indicate various pathologies including benign prostatic hyperplasia, detrusor overactivity, or chronic cystitis.
- A study published in the World Journal of Urology 1 found that a detrusor wall thickness of less than or equal to 1.23 mm, in combination with a bladder capacity greater than 445 ml, was indicative of detrusor underactivity in adult men.
- Other studies, such as those published in The Journal of Urology 2, Archivio Italiano di Urologia 3, Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 4, and Neurourology and Urodynamics 5, have also investigated bladder wall thickness in various contexts, but the most recent and relevant study 1 provides the best evidence for the normal post-void bladder wall thickness in adult males.