Cystic pelvic pathology presenting as falsely elevated postvoid residual urine measured by portable ultrasound bladder scanning: Report of 3 cases and review of the literature

Dedicated portable ultrasound devices generally offer a rapid, noninvasive, largely operator-independent means of assessing postvoid residual urine (PVR) volume. In most published series, PVR measured by portable ultrasound correlates well with catheterized urine volume. We report 3 cases in which follow-up of falsely elevated PVR measurements on ultrasound resulted in comparatively low catheterized volumes. In all 3 cases, the elevated readings were due to cystic ovarian pathology, which was diagnosed by formal radiologic evaluation and ultimately confirmed operatively in 2 cases. Cystic pathology of the pelvis or lower abdomen may present as an elevated PVR on ultrasound and low urine volume on subsequent catheterization and should prompt further evaluation. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.