Bead-chain cystourethrogram: an evaluation

The role of cystourethrography in the evaluation of urinary incontinence is controversial. This study evaluates the significance of 5 radiologic landmarks described in the literature as characteristic of stress urinary incontinence. It was expected to determine how often these landmarks were read similarly by independent observers and whether these radiologic findings in patients with stress urinary incontinence differ from those in patients with idiopathic detrusor instability. Eight-three cystourethrograms of patients having either stress urinary incontinence of idiopathic detrusor instability were reviewed. Three radiologists interpreted 5 radiologic landmarks on each study. Lack of identification and of agreement in interpretation by all 3 investigators varied from 19.3 to 54.2%. There were no statistically significant difference in the distribution of radiographic characteristics between patients with stress urinary incontinence and those with idiopathic detrusor instability.