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Ultrasound signs of a normal bladder
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Normal bladder
The filled bladder is visualized as a large anechoic structure emerging from the pelvis. At the beginning of the examination, determine the condition (evenness) of the internal contour and symmetry on the cross sections. The thickness of the bladder wall varies depending on the degree of filling of the bladder, but it is the same in all sections. Any local thickening of the wall is pathological. Also evaluate the presence or absence of trabecularity of the wall. When filled, the bladder has a wall thickness of less than 4 mm.
After the examination, the patient should urinate. Normally, there should be no urine left: if there is any, it should be measured. First measure the transverse size (T) in centimeters, then multiply it by the longitudinal diameter (L) in centimeters and by the anteroposterior size (AP) in centimeters. Multiply the result by 0.52. The result will correspond to the amount of residual urine in milliliters (cm 3 ).
TxLxAPx0.52 = volume (ml)
After a thorough examination of the bladder, scan the kidneys and ureters.