Evidence showing progression of ulcerative to nonulcerative disease, or vice versa, is lacking. [20] Clinical presentation is also variable, with nonulcerative patients presenting with a more diffuse pain syndrome and multiple systemic complaints. [emedicine.medscape.com]

The syndrome remains a diagnosis of exclusion (see Presentation, DDx, and Workup .) Intensive study has been done to attempt to identify biomarkers for IC/BPS. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Conservative measures and oral or intravesical treatments are considered first-line treatment. (See Treatment .) [emedicine.medscape.com]

Variable; includes behavioral modification, pharmacotherapy or endoscopic treatments Gross description Classic inflammatory type lesions: reddened mucosal areas with small vessels radiating towards a central scar, fibrin deposit or coagulum; site may [pathologyoutlines.com]

Of the 16 children in the study, 15 improved after bladder hydrodistention. [37] Prognosis Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that most often follows a variable course characterized by intermittent periods of exacerbations and remissions. [emedicine.medscape.com]

14:969 ) Terminology Also called Hunner’s ulcer, painful bladder syndrome, bladder pain syndrome (by European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis 2008) Divided into two types: classic Inflammatory (Hunner) type lesions and nonulcer disease Etiology [pathologyoutlines.com]

Etiology The etiology of interstitial cystitis remains unknown and is likely multifactorial. [25, 26, 27] Proposed etiologies include the following: Pathogenic role of mast cells in the detrusor and/or mucosal layers of the bladder Deficiency in the glycosaminoglycan [emedicine.medscape.com]

Epidemiological studies are difficult, given the wide variability in which patients are identified as research subjects. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis is poorly understood. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Periodic exacerbations are managed as they occur because no long-term therapy has been shown to prevent or delay recurrent episodes. Therefore, the purpose of treatment is to palliate and alleviate symptoms. [emedicine.medscape.com]