Interstitial cystitis

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A chronic, non-infectious, inflammatory condition of poorly understood aetiology that affects the urinary bladder

Question 2

Aetiology/ causes

Answer 2

Exact cause is unknown

Potential causes can include damage to the bladder lining, which may mean urine can irritate the bladder and surrounding nerves, a pelvic floor muscle disorder, as well as the immune system causing an inflammatory reaction

Question 3

Risk factors

Answer 3

Family history
Chronic pain disorders such as IBS or fibromyalgia

Question 4

Epidemiology/ Population affected

Answer 4

More common in women
Peak incidence between 50 and 70y/o

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Pelvic pain

Lower urinary tract symptoms

Dysuria
Frequency/ nocturia
Incontinence
Haematuria
Weight loss

Question 6

Prognosis

Answer 6

Ranges from spontaneous resolution, relapse-remitting, intermittent disease flares, and chronic progression (most patients suffer from chronic symptoms)

Question 7

DDX

Answer 7

Urinary tract infection

Sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea

Tuberculous infections of the bladderv
Stress incontinence
Cauda equina/cord compression
Demyelinating diseases