Detrusor thickness in healthy children assessed by a standardized ultrasound method

Purpose: We determine the ultrasonographic detrusor thickness in healthy in fants and children. Materials and Methods: We studied 150 healthy children, 79 boys and 71 girl s, from newborns to 13 years old. The detrusor of the ventral and dorsal wa ll was measured with a previously established ultrasonographic technique, a nd the variation with age and bladder fullness was assessed. Results: Detrusor thickness varied significantly with the degree of bladder fullness (thinner at higher volumes). It also increased slightly with age. At bladder fullness of 10% or greater of expected bladder capacity (EBC), calculated using the formula EBC (ml.) = age (years) x 30 + 30, a practical upper limit for the detrusor thickness of the ventral wall at all ages was 2.0 mm. at a bladder fullness up to 50% of expected bladder capacity or 1. 5 mm. at a higher degree of fullness. The detrusor of the ventral wall was slightly thicker in boys than in girls and also somewhat thicker than the d etrusor of the dorsal wall. Conclusions: The results indicate that ultrasonographic measurements of det rusor thickness in children may serve as a diagnostic tool and its usefulne ss in clinical as well as research work should be explored.