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Ultrasonographic changes of the female bladder neck during development
Kimio Sugaya1, Saori Nishijima, Masami Oda
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. sugaya@med.u-ryuku.ac.jp
Summary
The anteroposterior vesical wall angle (APVA) in girls increases significantly after age 10, approaching adult values. This developmental change in APVA may relate to hormonal influences on bladder base tone.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pediatric Urology
- Female Pelvic Medicine
Background:
- Previous research identified wide variations in anteroposterior vesical wall angle (APVA) in adult women.
- The developmental trajectory of APVA in girls with normal bladder function was previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in anteroposterior vesical wall angle (APVA) during female development.
- To establish normative APVA values across different pediatric and young adult age groups.
Main Methods:
- Transabdominal ultrasonography was used to measure APVA in 74 females aged 0-29 years.
- Participants were stratified into six age cohorts.
- Intravenous urography assessed bladder neck function and morphology.
Main Results:
- The anteroposterior vesical wall angle (APVA) ranged from 85 to 200 degrees.
- Mean APVA was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in girls aged 10-29 years (161-164 degrees) compared to those aged 0-9 years (129-135 degrees).
- No bladder abnormalities were detected via intravenous urography.
Conclusions:
- The anteroposterior vesical wall angle (APVA) shows a significant increase around puberty in females.
- APVA values in females over 10 years old resemble those of young adults.
- Hormonal influences during development may contribute to bladder base plate tone, reflected in APVA changes.