From the Research
The normal bladder wall thickness in adults typically ranges from 1.1 to 4.5 mm, with a mean thickness of 2.0 mm, as measured by transabdominal ultrasound at 200 ml filling 1. This measurement can vary based on the degree of bladder filling, with the wall appearing thicker when the bladder is empty and thinner when fully distended.
- The bladder wall thickness is influenced by various factors, including age, gender, and the presence of underlying urological conditions.
- Increased bladder wall thickness beyond these normal parameters may indicate various pathological conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or inflammatory conditions like cystitis.
- Chronic conditions that cause the detrusor muscle to work harder against resistance, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia in men, can lead to bladder wall hypertrophy over time, with a thickness of 5 mm or more being associated with a poorer response to medical treatment 2, 3.
- The measurement of bladder wall thickness can be performed using different ultrasound approaches, including abdominal, perineal, and vaginal routes, although the values obtained may differ depending on the approach used 4.
- In children, the normal bladder wall thickness has been reported to range from 1.55 mm to 2.76 mm, depending on the state of bladder filling 5.