Coarctation of the urethra? A pilot study of MRI based computational fluid dynamic study of urethral biomechanics in urethral stricture

Motivation: USD patients are currently evaluated with RUG which provides limited information. USD patients cannot undergo UDS studies to evaluate their bladder or urethral function given their obstruction. Goal(s): To develop a non-invasive MRI based CFD tool to comprehensively evaluate the LUT in USD patients. Approach: One healthy volunteer and two USD patients were imaged with our MRI urodynamic protocol and a voiding event was simulated with CFD. Results: USD patients demonstrated higher urine velocities, increased wall shear stress, and pressure gradients across the strictured segment compared to non strictured urethras relative to flow. Impact: USD patients are currently restricted in which methods can be employed to evaluate their bladder/urethral function. This study develops a non-invasive MRI based CFD tool to rigorously evaluate the LUT in USD patients.