Eosinophilic Cystitis

Eosinophilic cystitis is a very rare disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, causes injury and inflammation to the bladder. Eosinophilic cystitis is reported to be more common in males, and may affect both adults and children.

Symptoms:

Painful urination
Blood in the urine
Feeling the need to urinate frequently
Pain in the lower abdomen
Urinary tract infections

Associated Diseases:

Environmental allergies
Asthma
?food allergies

Causes:

Medication reaction (antibiotics, chemotherapy)
Allergies

Diagnosis:

Urine sample for analysis
Ultrasound of the bladder
Eosinophils may be found in the blood and/or urine (not always present)
Biopsy of the bladder is necessary to make the diagnosis. Biopsy is done during a cystoscopy.

Findings:

Ultrasound may show thickening or a mass in the bladder
Biopsy: Eosinophils invading the bladder wall. Biopsy may show chronic inflammation. Eosinophils should be carefully sought when chronic inflammation is seen.

Allergy Testing

Allergy testing may be helpful in patients with other allergic diseases to identify and remove offending allergens.

Treatment:

Anti-inflammatory
Anti-histamines
Steroids
Avoid known allergens or triggers

Prognosis:

May resolve with treatment

Recurrent episodes can occur. Untreated episodes may cause scar tissue to form in the bladder and cause problems with bladder function.

Author: Wendy Book MD, updated 8-30-11, reviewed by Dr. Stephen Kramer MD (Mayo Clinic, pediatric urology)