interstitial cystitis

interstitial cystitis n a chronic idiopathic cystitis characterized by painful inflammation of the subepithelial connective tissue and often accompanied by Hunner's ulcer

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a chronic nonbacterial inflammation of the bladder accompanied by an urgent desire to pass urine frequently and bladder pain; it is sometimes associated with an ulcer in the bladder wall (Hunner's ulcer). The cause is unknown and contracture of the bladder eventually occurs. Treatment is by distension of the bladder under spinal or epidural anaesthetic, instillation of anti-inflammatory solutions into the bladder, and administration of steroids or NSAID. Bladder enhancement or augmentation (see cystoplasty) may be required for a contracted bladder.

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an inflammatory condition of the bladder, seen mainly in women, whose lesion is a small patch of red to brown mucosa surrounded by a network of radiating vessels, usually in the vertex and involving the entire thickness of the wall. The lesions, known as Hunner ulcers, may heal superficially and be difficult to detect. Typically, there is urinary frequency and pain on bladder filling and at the end of urination. Called also panmural c., submucous c., and panmural fibrosis of the bladder.