Clinical Analysis of 17 Cases of Eosinophilic Cystitis in Children and Literature Review

To summarize the clinical, laboratory, imaging, pathological features, treatment and prognosis of eosinophilic cystitis (EC) in children.

A retrospective analysis was performed on 17 children diagnosed with EC at our hospital from January 2012 to December 2024, combined with literature review.

The cohort included 15 males and 2 females, with a median age of 6 years and 3 months. Major symptoms included frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, abdominal pain and distension. Mean disease duration was 42.3 days. Urinalysis showed proteinuria (1+-3+) in 7 cases and leukocyturia in 1 case. Peripheral blood eosinophil percentage averaged 43.6%. All 17 cases had bladder wall thickening on ultrasound; 9 cases were confirmed pathologically by cystoscopic biopsy. Eight cases were complicated with eosinophilic gastroenteritis, 3 by gastroscopic pathology. Treatments included anti-allergic therapy (11 cases), prednisone (7 cases), anti-parasitic agents (2 cases) and surgery (2 cases). During follow-up, 16 cases had no recurrence at 2 years; 1 case relapsed during steroid tapering and remained on low-dose prednisone.

Pediatric EC presents mainly with urinary irritation and abdominal symptoms. Diagnosis relies on clinical, laboratory, imaging and histological findings. EC is frequently associated with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Anti-allergic and steroid therapies are effective; surgery is reserved for specific cases. The overall prognosis is favorable.