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Current diagnosis of interstitial cystitis: an evolving paradigm
Robert J Evans1, Grannum R Sant
1Department of Surgery, Moses Cone Health System, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. revans@tucpa.com
Urology
|April 28, 2007
Summary
Diagnosing interstitial cystitis (IC) is evolving. Clinicians can now diagnose IC earlier using updated guidelines focusing on patient history and physical exams, making other tests optional.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Interstitial cystitis (IC) diagnosis has traditionally followed a rigid paradigm.
- Advances in understanding IC prevalence and presentation enable earlier detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an updated diagnostic paradigm for interstitial cystitis.
- To incorporate recent clinical data and consensus discussions.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data and consensus discussions from international symposia (ICICJ, NIDDK/ICA).
- Emphasis on patient history (urgency, frequency, pain) and physical examination.
- Exclusion of bacterial infection and malignancy as primary causes.
Main Results:
- The traditional diagnostic steps are no longer mandatory for IC diagnosis.
- A diagnosis can be established based on history and physical exam alone.
- Symptom questionnaires aid in diagnosis, while cystoscopy and urodynamics are optional.
Conclusions:
- The diagnostic approach for IC has evolved towards a more streamlined process.
- Early diagnosis of IC is facilitated by focusing on key clinical indicators.
- Evidence-based medicine supports a diagnosis of IC without routine use of cystoscopy or urodynamics.
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