BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is an inflammatory condition of the bladder that has been linked to food allergens, infectious agents, drugs, and other genitourinary conditions. Like interstitial cystitis, EC has a strong female predominance. It is characterized by an intense eosinophilic infiltrate in the acute phase and fibrosis in the chronic phase.
OBJECTIVE: To document and focus on specific features of EC in males and highlight the relationship between clinical and histopathologic findings.
METHODS: The bladder biopsies of male patients were reviewed. Eight cases of EC were selected.
RESULTS: Several known associations were noted as well as unreported features and associations such as Charcot-Leyden crystals, celiac disease, lupus anticoagulant, and additional viral and bacterial agents.
CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophilic cystitis represents a response to a variety of agents and may often be overlooked. The temporally biphasic morphologic features are the hallmark of this condition. Because clinical and imaging studies are not specific, a high index of clinical suspicion is often crucial to the correct diagnosis and proper management of EC.