Urodynamic features and artefacts.

AIMS

The aims of this study are to compile a list of common features and artefacts found in urodynamics, to produce definitions of these features, and describe any necessary remedial action. An image and word description for each event has been included as well as statistics providing information on the prevalence and frequency of each event.

METHODS

In order to identify the most common features and artefacts 200 consecutive urodynamic traces were reviewed. A random 10% sample was cross-checked to ensure event classification accuracy. To extract significant pressure peaks from the data, an algorithm was written capable of detecting initial resting pressure and updating it as necessary. Significant pressure peaks were defined as those that differed from resting pressure values by 10 cmH(2) O or more. When describing the events, standard sources were consulted for published definitions. The images selected for each event are typical examples but do not represent the variation that can occur between examples. The patients whose files were used in this study suffered from a variety of lower urinary tract disorders so that it is likely that they cover all common or important urodynamic pressure events.

RESULTS

In total 10,355 pressure events were identified and classified into 19 different categories. For each category, a description, example image and remedial action are included. Where published definitions do not exist, new ones are proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

All common or important urodynamic pressure events have been included in this study and descriptions of the events have been included in one article for the first time.