Polypoid Cystitis and Bilateral Hydronephrosis Mimicking Urothelial Carcinoma

Polypoid cystitis is infrequently seen in noncatheterized patients, occasionally posing challenging treatment options. We present a rare case of polypoid cystitis with bilateral upper tract obstruction mimicking a bladder tumor, needing staged endoscopic management. A 45-year-old Asian man with a bladder tumor presented with lower urinary tract symptoms. Subsequent transurethral resection of bladder tumor histology revealed polypoid cystitis. This had caused intramural edema and obstruction of the distal ureters that were managed with initial local resection, ureteral dilatation with a period of ureteral stenting, and oral steroids. Subsequent intravenous urogram and diuretic renogram showed resolution of obstruction and resolution of hydronephrosis. He also had mixed lower urinary tract symptoms and hematuria managed with combination of solifenacin, finasteride, and tamsulosin. Polypoid cystitis with ureteral obstruction needs to be considered in differentials of a bladder tumor, and management may include a combination of endoscopic resection, ureteral stenting, and in resistant cases oral steroids can be considered to aid resolution of inflammation in the absence of infection.