Cystitis cystica et glandularis (CCEG) is a rare hyperproliferative lesion of the bladder mucosa resulting from chronic inflammation or obstruction. It is marked by glandular metaplasia of transitional cells, leading to a cystic appearance due to the proliferation of Von Brunn islets, which cause invagination of the transitional epithelium into the lamina propria. Imaging characteristics are nonspecific and resemble those of a bladder mass. Cystoscopic findings typically show bullous edematous lesions or papillary lesions with gelatinous surfaces, often affecting the trigone area. The involvement of the trigonal region can complicate the identification of ureteric orifices, posing a risk of resection-related injury. Our goal is to highlight the clinical behavior, radiological and cystoscopic features, and propose a management algorithm to minimize deterioration of renal function.

 

45 patients were included, 95% were men, with mean age of 35 years. Most common presenting feature was lower urinary tract symptoms (90%), with hematuria (30%), flank pain in 10%. Seventy percent patients had uppertract changes. Imaging findings are consistent with bladder mass and cannot distinguish cystitis cystica from carcinoma of bladder. Thirty percent of patients had recurrence of lesions with average time to recurrence being 13 months. Ten percent of patients underwent ureteric reimplant.

Cystitis cystica is a unique entity often masquerading as bladder cancer. Imaging cannot adequately distinguish it from bladder cancer however cystoscopic appearance can be used to identify this unique entity. There is high propensity for recurrence and upper tract deterioration and hence requires timely intervention and surveillance.