Catheter-induced cystitis: evaluation by cystosonography

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Indwelling catheters are common in patient care.
• Catheterization can lead to bladder mucosal complications.
• Bullous cystitis is a known, but sometimes misdiagnosed, reaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ultrasound and cystoscopy findings in patients with indwelling catheters.
• To characterize the sonographic appearance of catheter-induced bullous cystitis.
• To differentiate bullous cystitis from bladder tumors on imaging.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasound examination of the bladder in 23 patients with indwelling catheters.
• Cystoscopic examination of the bladder in the same patients.
• Correlation of imaging findings with clinical presentation.

Main Results:

• 12 out of 23 patients showed changes consistent with bullous cystitis.
• Sonography revealed thickened, hypoechoic mucosa, appearing smooth early and polypoid later.
• Lesion appearance varied from localized to diffuse, depending on catheterization duration.

Conclusions:

• Sonographic findings, in the correct clinical context, are suggestive of bullous cystitis.
• Cystoscopy provides a definitive diagnosis for bullous cystitis.
• Biopsy is generally not required for diagnosis.