Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating a new ultrasound-based method to evaluate urinary flow and bladder pressure in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study aims to develop and validate this ultrasound urodynamics technique by comparing it to existing methods like MRI-urodynamics and multichannel urodynamics in both affected patients and healthy controls. The goal is to provide a more accessible and cost-effective way to assess urinary function. The study involves imaging procedures including dynamic MRI, 3D ultrasound, and multichannel urodynamics to measure voiding flow rates and bladder pressures. Men with BPH/LUTS and age-matched healthy men will undergo these evaluations during a single visit lasting up to 2.5 hours. Researchers will develop new analytic methods combining ultrasound and fluid dynamics modeling and will also use optical imaging to measure urine velocity during voiding. Participants will be assessed during one research visit involving MRI and ultrasound imaging along with clinical symptom scoring using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). The study will measure changes in bladder volume, urine velocity, pressure, and calculate standard indices related to bladder outlet obstruction and contractility. The total participation time is about 2.5 hours, and the study includes healthy volunteers as well as men diagnosed with BPH/LUTS. Safety is monitored by excluding participants with contraindications to MRI or recent urinary infections.

US Imaging for the Assessment of LUTS