Electrovesicography in interstitial cystitis

An electrovesicogram (EVG) was performed in 9 women (mean age 44.6 years) with interstitial cystitis (IC) to characterize an electrovesicographic pattern for diagnostic purposes. Seven healthy women acted as controls. One electrode was located above and lateral to each pubic tubercle and a 3rd above the symphysis pubis. A reference electrode was applied to the lower limb. Recording was done in both the full and empty urinary bladder. Pacesetter potentials (PPs) were registered in the normal women as triphasic waves which had the same frequency, amplitude and regular rhythm each time the test was repeated in the same subject. The EVG of the empty bladder was similar to that of the full one, except for the PP amplitude which was lower in the former. The EVG in IC patients showed a 'vesicoarrhythmic pattern' with an irregular rhythm and a higher frequency and amplitude than the controls. The same pattern was recorded in the empty bladder but with a PP amplitude lower than that of the full bladder and the controls. In conclusion, a vesicoarrhythmic electrographic pattern could be identified in IC that may act as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of such a condition. The technique is simple, easy, noninvasive and cost-effective.