Reviews
Interstitial cystitis: The great imposter! Epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and management
Author(s): Jack Barkin*
About 115 years ago, the first diagnosis of interstitial cystitis (IC) was offered as a reason to explain the pain related to scarring and inflammation in the bladder. Later, Hunner described the pathognomonic ulcer that bears his name, which is only found in about 5% to 10% of patients with IC. Today, IC is considered a controversial diagnosis. There are still a significant number of clinicians that do not believe in the diagnosis. Some people consider it to be only a diagnosis of exclusion – after every other bladder condition has been ruled out. However, population studies have demonstrated that there is a huge number of patients (mainly female) that fulfill the NIH and/or other diagnostic criteria and deserve the treatment for IC. Frequency, urgency and pain (pelvic and/or voiding) with negative urinary cultures should be considered IC and treate.. Read More»
DOI:
10.4172/1488-5069.1000051
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