Male artificial urinary sphincter: what the radiologist should know

The artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is a device used to treat urinary incontinence (UI), allowing patients to control urination. It consists of a reservoir, an occlusive cuff, and a control pump, all positioned in the pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred method for assessing its functionality and detecting complications. Candidates for AUS include patients with persistent UI secondary to radical prostatectomy, sphincter injury, or congenital malformations. Complications may arise from the procedure (hematomas, infections), the patient (erosion, persistent incontinence), or the device itself (mechanical failure, fluid leakage). Imaging evaluation should include high-resolution T2-weighted sequences and a systematic analysis of the device’s components. Early detection of abnormalities is essential for optimizing clinical management. Close collaboration with the urology team is recommended to enhance diagnosis and treatment.