Title: Validity of Sonourethrography in Assessing Anterior Urethral Strictures in Males

Authors: Dr Josey Verghese, Dr Ajay Alex, Dr K.B. Salim

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i3.85

Abstract

Introduction: Stricture urethra in males is a common problem encountered by the radiologists. Retrograde urethrography and voiding cystourethrography have been the standard imaging studies for the evaluation of male anterior urethra, which involves the use of radiation and contrast medium to visualize luminal anatomy and give limited information about periurethral structures. The aim of the study was to assess sonourethrogram versus retrograde urethrogram, in the evaluation of male urethral strictures.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study 54 patients with obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms and suspected to be having stricture urethra were subjected to ascending urethrogram and sonourethrogram. The findings were recorded for comparison.   

Results: Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and measure of agreement of kappa between retrograde urethrography and sono urethrography in the assessment of stricture length were 0.981 and 0.447 respectively. The sensitivity [100% (95% CI 84.6-100)], specificity [100% (95% CI 89.1-100)], positive predictive value [100% (95% CI 84.6-100)], and negative predictive value [100% (95% CI 89.1-100)], of sonourethrography in the detection of urethral strictures for its presence and correct site were also estimated. In addition, spongiofibrosis, and severity of stricture were diagnosed only by sonourethrogram.

Conclusion: Sonourethrogram is an effective alternative to retrograde urethrogram in the evaluation of stricture urethra. It is superior to retrograde urethrogram in the identification of spongiofibrosis and effective in getting a cross sectional image.

Keywords: anterior urethra, retrograde urethrography, sonourethrography, stricture.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Josey Verghese

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