Normal bladder AP wall thickness when the bladder is nearly empty is less than what?

Normal bladder AP wall thickness when the bladder is nearly empty is less than what?

• A. <3mm
• B. <4mm
• C. <5mm
• D. <6mm

Answer: (C)

Bladder wall thickness on ultrasound changes with how full the bladder is. A nearly empty bladder tends to have a thicker wall because the detrusor muscle contracts and the wall compresses less around the lumen, so a normal thickness can be up to about 5 mm. In contrast, a well-distended bladder has a thinner wall, typically about 3 mm or less. Therefore, when the bladder is nearly empty, the normal AP wall thickness is less than 5 mm. If you measure thicker than that with an empty or nearly empty bladder, it can suggest wall thickening from inflammation, infection, outlet obstruction, or other pathology. Measurement is done from the inner luminal border to the outer serosal border, perpendicular to the wall, usually at the mid-bladder in a relaxed state.

Bladder wall thickness on ultrasound changes with how full the bladder is. A nearly empty bladder tends to have a thicker wall because the detrusor muscle contracts and the wall compresses less around the lumen, so a normal thickness can be up to about 5 mm. In contrast, a well-distended bladder has a thinner wall, typically about 3 mm or less. Therefore, when the bladder is nearly empty, the normal AP wall thickness is less than 5 mm. If you measure thicker than that with an empty or nearly empty bladder, it can suggest wall thickening from inflammation, infection, outlet obstruction, or other pathology. Measurement is done from the inner luminal border to the outer serosal border, perpendicular to the wall, usually at the mid-bladder in a relaxed state.