Fate of the upper urinary tract in multiple sclerosis

Urologic problems are a major source of morbidity for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifty-four to 78% of patients experience bladder symptoms which are due to spinal lesions interrupting neural pathways that control micturition. MS patients could have upper or lower motor neuron lesion type bladders. Both obstructive and irritative symptoms may be present. Although lower urinary tract dysfunction has been well described in MS, few studies have investigated the fate of the upper urinary tract. Thirty-two patients with MS were referred for urodynamic evaluation. Twenty-six of the 32 patients had upper urinary tract studies performed. Only 1 of the 26 patients had evidence of upper urinary tract deterioration. It is our impression that upper tract deterioration occurs infrequently in these patients. We discuss clinical clues that may predict deterioration.