Published in:
01-12-2018 | Classics in Abdominal Radiology
The “Christmas tree” bladder
Published in: Abdominal Radiology | Issue 12/2018
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A “Christmas tree” (Fig. 1) has been used to describe the appearance of a hypertonic, neurogenic bladder, as seen on cystography (Fig. 2) [1]. The bladder is vertically oriented and has a wide base that tapers superiorly towards the dome with irregular walls from associated trabeculations. The conical shape of the bladder has also been referred to as a “pine cone” bladder. Although originally described at cystography, a similar appearance may be seen at CT (Fig. 3).
Fig. 1
A decorative Christmas tree has a wider base, tapers superiorly, and the branches mimic the appearance of trabeculations
Fig. 2
AP image from a cystogram shows the opacified elongated bladder with multiple diverticula along the walls
Fig. 3
A coronal image from a CT urogram in a different patient shows the opacified urinary bladder. The bladder has a trabeculated contour, thickened wall, and is vertically oriented with a wide base which narrows superiorly