Cauda Equina Symptoms Are Closely Related to Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Introduction: To determine the impact of cauda equina symptoms on male lower urinary tract function, we investigated the related risk factors in healthy Japanese men. Methods: Subjects included 345 healthy males (average age 56 years; range 26–83) who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2006. They were residents of Iwaki district, Hirosaki City, northern Japan. Using a self-administered, self-reported questionnaire for lumbar spinal stenosis and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), we investigated the prevalence of cauda equina symptoms. We also measured body mass index; blood pressure; and triglyceride, cholesterol, glucohemoglobin, and prostate-specific antigen levels. Results: Nineteen participants (5.5%) were positive for cauda equina symptoms; 270 participants (78.3%) scored 0–7 points on the total IPSS survey, 65 (18.8%) scored 8–19, and 10 (2.9%) scored 20–35. The total IPSS, and storage and voiding symptom scores of participants negative for cauda equina symptoms were significantly lower than those who were positive. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age and cauda equina symptoms were independent significant risk factors for total IPSS and storage symptoms. Conclusions: Cauda equina symptoms are closely related to lower urinary tract symptoms in healthy Japanese men.