[Interstitial cystitis]

Interstitial cystitis is a particular type of cystitis with clear urine, essentially observed in women. Persistent painful urinary frequency and bladder heaviness are suggestive of the diagnosis. Two different forms have been distinguished according to severity: Hunner's ulcer and small capacity bladder;-bladder distension to 800 ml, followed by haemorrhagic petechiae; with a whole series of intermediate forms. The bladder wall undergoes inflammatory reorganization, without infection, leading to fibrosis. The disease is improved by hydrocortisone instillations. Hunner's ulcer can be treated by partial resection. If the cystitis deteriorates, bladder replacement by detubulized intestinal graft may be required.