New Imaging Techniques on the Horizon to Study Overactive and Neurogenic Bladder

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review will focus on the current usage and the potential future applications of new imaging techniques on the horizon to study overactive and neurogenic bladder. Recent Findings: Bladder Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to non-invasively identify bladder outlet obstruction, detrusor overactivity, and other forms of voiding dysfunction, but motion artifact has been a limiting factor preventing widespread adaptation. However, newer NIRS units employ accelerometers which enable isolation and splicing of motion and on-going studies show renewed promise for bladder NIRS. Ultrasound has been successfully used to evaluate bladder outlet obstruction and other forms of LUT. Techniques including m-mode evaluation of micromotion, as well as the assessment of bladder wall thickness, bladder weight, shape/circularity, vibrometry, and elastography have been explored. Dynamic bladder functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is the newest bladder imaging technology on the horizon and provides a novel method to assess bladder function alongside real-time high-resolution 3D anatomic images. Summary: Bladder imaging techniques including NIRS, ultrasound, and functional fMRI have been developed and are now being used as noninvasive techniques that could potentially supplement, or even replace, traditional Urodynamics.