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Professional Technical IVT

detrusor areflexia

Pronunciation: dee-TROO-zor ay-ree-FLEX-ee-ah

Complete absence of detrusor muscle contractions during bladder filling or voiding attempts.

Full Definition

Detrusor areflexia is a urodynamic diagnosis characterized by the complete absence of detrusor muscle contractions during bladder filling and voiding phases. This condition results in impaired or absent voluntary voiding, often requiring catheterization for bladder emptying. Detrusor areflexia commonly occurs following spinal cord injuries, particularly those affecting the sacral segments, or may result from peripheral nerve damage. The condition is diagnosed through urodynamic studies and represents the most severe form of detrusor underactivity.

Usage

Usage note: Distinguish from detrusor underactivity, which implies some residual function.

In Context

  • "Urodynamics confirmed detrusor areflexia with no measurable detrusor contractions." — Urodynamic study report
  • "The patient's detrusor areflexia necessitates clean intermittent catheterization." — Treatment plan

Also known as

acontractile detrusor

Contrasted with

detrusor hyperreflexia

Don't confuse with

detrusor underactivity detrusor hypocontractility

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