[Consumer wearables, cardiology and clinical practice]

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Chronic ketamine abuse is increasingly linked to severe bladder dysfunction.
• Ketamine-associated uropathy presents with lower urinary tract symptoms and can lead to significant renal complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of severe ketamine-associated uropathy.
• To emphasize the progressive nature of the condition and the challenges in management.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 29-year-old male with a history of testicular cancer and daily ketamine use.
• Review of treatments including botulinum toxin type A, bladder distension, and medical management.
• Documentation of disease progression to hydronephrosis, urosepsis, and acute kidney injury.

Main Results:

• The patient developed severe bladder fibrosis and lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Despite interventions, his condition worsened, necessitating bilateral nephrostomies.
• A Bricker bladder (ileal conduit diversion) was ultimately performed.

Conclusions:

• Ketamine-associated uropathy is an underrecognized clinical entity.
• Early cessation of ketamine use is vital.
• Prompt and targeted interventions are necessary to prevent irreversible renal damage.