Urodynamic 4D-CT evaluation: 320-row area detector CT scanner combined with PhyZiodynamics software analysis provides an innovative system to evaluate urinary flow and outlet obstructions

Abstract

Background Evaluation of the morphology of the lower urinary tract as well as the movements associated with urination are required for the symptomatic diagnosis of lower urinary tract obstruction as well as the assessment of postoperative adaptation. However, no tool currently exists for direct and easy patient evaluation. Purpose To evaluate lower urinary tract obstruction and postoperative adaptation using a four-dimensional (4D) virtual reality urination image (urodynamic 4D-CT image). Material and Methods We used a 320-row area detector CT scanner and PhyZiodynamics image analysis software to perform 197 urodynamic 4D-CT examinations on 175 first-time patients between January 2014 and March 2017. Results A comparison of the obtained images before and after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate revealed the morphological changes due to prostate enucleation and enabled visualization of the ideal urination conditions, showing that the anatomical structural changes during urination and the opening of the urethra play a major role in improving voiding function. Conclusion Using low-dosage radiation, the sharply defined moving image obtained via urodynamic 4D-CT examination can be utilized as a physiological diagnostic tool to evaluate a series of urinary movements from any angle between the prostate, urethra, and bladder in a unitary manner with the time axis added. There was negligible patient impact. This technique could provide new opportunities for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract symptoms and post-surgical adaptation assessment.