Bladder petechiae after cystoscopy and hydrodistension in men diagnosed with prostate pain

We determined if men with prostate pain syndromes have petechiae in the bladder after hydrodistension.

A total of 60 men with the diagnosis of prostate pain and without bacteriuria underwent cystoscopy and hydrodistension under a general or regional anesthetic.

Of the 60 men 35 (58%) had moderate to severe petechiae similar in appearance to women with interstitial cystitis after hydrodistension. Men with moderate to severe bladder petechiae had fewer leukocytes in expressed prostatic secretions, smaller bladder capacities and less often testicular pain than men with more normal appearing bladders after hydrodistension. Symptomatic improvement 2 to 6 weeks after hydrodistension was more common in men with moderate to severe petechiae than in those with fewer petechiae. Absence of rectal pain predicted symptomatic improvement after hydrodistension.

We suggest that bladder petechiae, and possibly interstitial cystitis or a related condition, may be more frequently associated with prostate pain syndromes in men than previously appreciated.