Clinical Analysis of 17 Cases of Eosinophilic Cystitis in Children and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical, laboratory, imaging, pathological features, treatment and prognosis of eosinophilic cystitis (EC) in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 17 children diagnosed with EC at our hospital from January 2012 to December 2024, combined with literature review.

RESULTS

The cohort included 15 males and 2 females, with a median age of 6 years and 3 months. Major symptoms included frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, abdominal pain and distension. Mean disease duration was 42.3 days. Urinalysis showed proteinuria (1+-3+) in 7 cases and leukocyturia in 1 case. Peripheral blood eosinophil percentage averaged 43.6%. All 17 cases had bladder wall thickening on ultrasound; 9 cases were confirmed pathologically by cystoscopic biopsy. Eight cases were complicated with eosinophilic gastroenteritis, 3 by gastroscopic pathology. Treatments included anti-allergic therapy (11 cases), prednisone (7 cases), anti-parasitic agents (2 cases) and surgery (2 cases). During follow-up, 16 cases had no recurrence at 2 years; 1 case relapsed during steroid tapering and remained on low-dose prednisone.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric EC presents mainly with urinary irritation and abdominal symptoms. Diagnosis relies on clinical, laboratory, imaging and histological findings. EC is frequently associated with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Anti-allergic and steroid therapies are effective; surgery is reserved for specific cases. The overall prognosis is favorable.