Lower urinary tract function in frontotemporal lobar degeneration: A preliminary observation.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Urology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is common in neurodegenerative diseases.
• The specific urodynamics of LUT dysfunction in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) remain largely uncharacterized.
• Understanding LUT function in FTLD is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the urodynamic characteristics of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).
• To identify specific urodynamic abnormalities associated with LUT symptoms in FTLD.

Main Methods:

• A urodynamics study was performed on five FTLD patients presenting with LUT symptoms.
• Patients completed a urinary symptom questionnaire.
• Sphincter electromyography was utilized in relevant cases.

Main Results:

• All five FTLD patients exhibited LUT symptoms, primarily urinary urgency/frequency (overactive bladder, OAB).
• Urodynamic abnormalities included detrusor overactivity (80%), increased bladder sensation, large post-void residual, and latent detrusor underactivity.
• No apparent outlet obstruction or detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia was observed.

Conclusions:

• Detrusor overactivity is a significant urodynamic finding in FTLD patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.
• This finding may correlate with the typical frontal/insular cortex pathology in FTLD.
• These results highlight the need for appropriate management of LUT dysfunction in FTLD.