Comparison of 2D and 3D ultrasound methods to measure serial bladder volumes during filling: Steps toward development of non-invasive ultrasound urodynamics

Abstract

Objectives: Non-invasive methods to objectively characterize overactive bladder (OAB) and other forms of voiding dysfunction using real-time ultrasound are currently under development but require accurate and precise serial measurements of bladder volumes during filling. This study’s objective was to determine the most accurate and precise ultrasound-based method of quantifying serial bladder volumes during urodynamics (UD).Methods: Twelve female participants with OAB completed an extended UD procedure with the addition of serial bladder ultrasound images captured once per minute. Bladder volume was measured using three ultrasound methods: (1) Vspheroid: two-dimensional (2D) method calculated assuming spheroid geometry; (2) Vbih: 2D correction method obtained by multiplying Vspheroid by a previously derived correction factor of 1.375; and (3) V3D: three-dimensional (3D) method obtained by manually tracing the bladder outline in six planes automatically reconstructed into a solid rendered volume. These volumes were compared to a control (Vcontrol) obtained by adding UD infused volume and the volume of estimated urine production.Results: Based on linear regression analysis, both Vbih and V3D were fairly accurate estimators of Vcontrol, but V3D was more precise. Vspheroid significantly underestimated Vcontrol.Conclusions: Although the Vbih and V3D methods were more accurate than the more-commonly used Vspheroid method for measuring bladder volumes during UD, the V3D method was the most precise and could best account for non-uniform bladder geometries. Therefore, the V3D method may represent the best tool required for the continued development of non-invasive methods to diagnose OAB and other forms of voiding dysfunction.

Comparative Effectiveness of Two Models of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Detection of Post-Void Residual Urine during Acute Ischemic Stroke: Preliminary Findings of Real-World Clinical Application

“…However, classifying bladder shape and memorizing appropriate coefficients are both difficult and impractical for calculating bladder volume during each ultrasound examination. Nagle et al [27] reported that automated 3D scanning ultrasound with manual tracing of the bladder outline provided the most precise nonuniform bladder geometry. However, compared with the 2D diameter method, manually tracing the bladder outline on 12 images is more time-consuming.…”

State of the Art of Non-Invasive Technologies for Bladder Monitoring: A Scoping Review

“…Ultrasound technology's ability to visualize the bladder and prostate helps in the identification of several issues, such as intravesical prostate prominence or detrusor muscle diameter, and in revealing the presence of diverticula (small pockets that can develop in the bladder wall and stones that can cause blockages and pain) [39][40][41][42].…”

“…The first wearable ultrasound device for bladder monitoring was developed by Petrican et al in 1998 [43]; since that time, the easy accessibility to commercial portable ultrasound devices, combined with the fact that the technology is non-invasive, safe, and painless, makes it one of the optimal BUV monitoring modalities [22,37,44]. Ultrasound technology's ability to visualize the bladder and prostate helps in the identification of several issues, such as intravesical prostate prominence or detrusor muscle diameter, and in revealing the presence of diverticula (small pockets that can develop in the bladder wall and stones that can cause blockages and pain) [39][40][41][42].…”

Bladder Monitoring Systems: State of the Art and Future Perspectives

“…3b). 3D integration, Virtual Organ Computed-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL software), rendering techniques, and other volume reconstruction techniques have been proposed to this purpose [104], [105], [106], [107], [108]. 3D reconstruction of bladder volume has shown promising results in the diagnosis of voiding dysfunctions [105].…”

“…3D integration, Virtual Organ Computed-aided AnaLysis (VOCAL software), rendering techniques, and other volume reconstruction techniques have been proposed to this purpose [104], [105], [106], [107], [108]. 3D reconstruction of bladder volume has shown promising results in the diagnosis of voiding dysfunctions [105]. Marks et al have evaluated the use of the technique for defining when to catheterize the patient, comparing the volume estimated with the 3D reconstruction technique and the volume of urine excreted by catheterization (defined as the real volume).…”