(A)voiding misdiagnosis: prediction of detrusor underactivity vs. bladder outlet obstruction using pre-urodynamic...

Our study aimed to develop a noninvasive model using a combination of the set of clinical data and uroflowmetry (UFL) to differentiate between detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in non-neurogenic male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Data from 229 men with LUTS, diagnosed with DU or BOO on a pressure-flow study (PFS), were retrospectively analyzed, including medical history, Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms score (CLSS) questionnaire, UFL and PFS. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression were utilized for the prediction analyses.

Of the cohort, 128 (55.9%) patients were diagnosed with DU. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified less prevalent nocturia (OR 0.27, p < 0.002), more prevalent intermittency (OR 2.33, p = 0.03), less prevalent weak stream (OR 0.14, p = 0.0004), lower straining points in CLSS (OR 0.67, p = 0.02), higher slow stream points in CLSS (OR 1.81, p = 0.002), higher incomplete emptying points in CLSS (OR 1.31, p < 0.02), lower PVR ratio (OR 0.20, p = 0.03), and present features of fluctuating (OR 2.00, p = 0.05), fluctuating-intermittent (OR 3.09, p < 0.006), and intermittent (OR 8.11, p = 0.076) UFL curve shapes as independent predictors of DU. The above prediction model demonstrated satisfactory accuracy (c-index of 0.783).

Our 10-factor model provides a noninvasive approach to differentiate DU from BOO in male patients with non-neurogenic LUTS, offering a valuable alternative to invasive PFS.