Representation of the Bladder Innervation Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging Fiber Tracking With MRI - a Pilot Study

The exact innervation of the bladder and the changes after a spinal cord injury have been not yet been illustrated.

Diffusion tensor imaging with magnetic resonance imaging is a new technique which can be used to visualize single nerve fibers, and thus represent the neural supply of a region in vivo. There are studies in which both the sacral plexus and the lumbar nerve roots have been represented using diffusion tensor imaging. However, there is no study concerning the innervation of the bladder.

The investigators are therefore using diffusion tensor imaging with magnetic resonance imaging to represent the bladder innervation of individuals with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction and individuals with normal bladder function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• neurogenic lower urinary trat dysfunction
• normal bladder function

Exclusion Criteria:

• no signed informed consent
• contraindications for MRI (pace maker, implanted metal, claustrophobia)
• upper or lower urinary tract surgeries
• pregnancy (anamnestic)