Impact of spinal cord malformation on bladder function in children with anorectal malformations

Abstract Purpose Risk factors for the presence of neurogenic bladder dysfunction (NBD) in children born with high anorectal malformations (ARMs), were investigated, to identify the need for urodynamics in these patients. Material and Methods The study included 37 patients with high ARMs (21 boys and 16 girls). Bladder function was evaluated with urodynamics both before and after anorectoplasty (posterior sagittal anorectoplasty [PSARP]). All patients were investigated with spinal radiograph. Spinal ultrasound was performed in the neonatal period, and magnetic resonance imaging was added in case of abnormal ultrasound or urodynamics and in case of cloacal malformation. Results In ARM patients with rectourethral and vestibular fistulas and cloacas, NBD was identified in 9 children (25%). The bladder dysfunction was innate in all cases except in one girl with cloaca, indicating that the risk of iatrogenic denervation seems minimal using the PSARP technique. All children with innate NBD had a spinal cord malformation either as spinal cord regression or tethering with or without a lipoma. Concerning vertebral status, almost all children with NBD had partial sacral agenesis. Abnormal perineal appearance was highly correlated to NBD in boys, especially in those with a spinal cord regression malformation. Innate NBD was not found in any child with normal spinal cord. Conclusion From these results, we suggest that spinal ultrasound and perineal inspection are used as screening procedures for NBD in children with ARM. Urodynamic investigation is recommended only when spinal cord anomalies or other signs indicative of NBD are present. In case of spinal cord malformation, repeated urodynamics during follow-up is mandatory because of the risk for developing tethered cord syndrome.