"Ghost Hanako's syndrome": report of 2 cases--initial stage of nonneurogenic neurogenic bladder (Hinman syndrome)?

• Published in: Hinyokika kiyo. Acta urologica Japonica Vol. 43; no. 8; pp. 593 - 596
• Main Authors: Matsumoto, S, Shimada, K, Hosokawa, S, Matsumoto, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan 01-08-1997
• Subjects: Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic - diagnosis; Urination; Urination Disorders - physiopathology; Urination Disorders - psychology
• ISSN: 0018-1994

Two girls aged 6 and 7 years old with established urination habit complained of daytime incontinence and deterioration of nocturia after they started school life. They were quite afraid of the lavatory and sometimes skipped urination during school time completely. Voiding cystography revealed bladder trabeculation and vesicoureteral reflux. On cystometry, bladder compliance was preserved with no uninhibited contraction. Ghost tales about labatories, such as "the tale of Ghost Hanako," prevail in almost every elementary school in Japan. In some children, especially schoolgirls, lavatory phobia results in dysfunctional voiding. Such "Ghost Hanako's syndrome" may be an early phase of non-neurogenic neurogenic bladder (the Hinman syndrome). Detailed information regarding school life and urination habit is important for the treatment of this entity.