Utility of clinical parameters, cystourethroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative diagnosis of urethral diverticula

Sujatha D. Pathi, David D. Rahn, Joseph L. Sailors, Vincent A. Graziano, Robert D. Sims, Rebecca J. Stone, Donald D. McIntire, Clifford Y. Wai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: Our purpose was to assess the accuracy of history and physical, cystourethroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative diagnosis of urethral diverticula. Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical excision of periurethral masses between 1998 and 2009. Presenting symptoms and examination and cystourethroscopic findings were noted. A single pathologist reviewed all cases and provided the reference standard for the diagnosis of a diverticulum. A single radiologist reviewed all preoperative MRI studies. Sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were determined. Results: Diverticula were diagnosed in 36/60 (60 %) patients. Transurethral fluid expression on palpation and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) had high PPV. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, respectively, for cystourethroscopy were 33 %, 100 %, 100 %, and 42 %; for MRI, these were 100 %, 83 %, 92 %, and 100 %. Conclusion: These data reinforce the utility of transurethral fluid expression for preoperative evaluation of urethral diverticula. Additionally, MRI is an excellent adjunctive diagnostic tool and may assist in establishing the diagnosis when there is high clinical suspicion of a urethral diverticulum but nonconfirmatory findings on cystourethroscopy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)319-323
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Urogynecology Journal
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2013

Keywords

  • MRI
  • Pathology
  • Physical examination
  • Sensitivity
  • Specificity
  • Symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Urology

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