The spectrum of eosinophilic cystitis in males: case series and literature review.

CONTEXT: 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.

OBJECTIVES

To document and focus on specific features of EC in males and highlight the relationship between clinical and histopathologic findings.

DESIGN

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.