Related Experiment Videos
Voiding dysfunction in patients with human T-lymphotropic virus type-1-associated myelopathy (HAM)
S Komine1, K Yoshida, H Yamashita
1Department of Surgery, Saga Medical School, Japan.
Paraplegia
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) frequently causes voiding dysfunction, including overactive bladder and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia. Spinal cord lesions in HAM primarily affect lateral columns, impacting bladder control.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
Background:
- Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 associated myelopathy (HAM) is a progressive neurological disorder.
- Voiding dysfunction is a common but not fully understood complication of HAM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate voiding dysfunction in patients with HAM.
- To characterize the urodynamic findings associated with HAM.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated 16 of 17 HAM patients for voiding dysfunction.
- Conducted urodynamic studies to assess bladder overactivity and detrusor sphincter function.
- Correlated urodynamic findings with neurological status.
Main Results:
- 11 patients reported urinary frequency and difficulty voiding; 12 experienced urge incontinence.
- 14 patients had significant residual urine (50-320 ml).
- All patients exhibited overactive bladder with involuntary detrusor contractions; detrusor sphincter dyssynergia was common (14/16 patients).
Conclusions:
- Overactive bladder with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia and preserved vesical sensation are characteristic urodynamic findings in HAM.
- Neurological damage in HAM primarily affects spinal cord lateral columns, impacting micturition pathways.