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Ureteritis cystica

Radswiki and Dr Frank Gaillard et al.

Ureteritis cystica or pyeloureteritis cystica is a benign condition of the ureters representing multiple small submucosal cysts. It results from chronic urinary tract irritation, due to stones and / or infection.

Epidemiology

Typically this condition is seen in diabetics, with recurrent urinary tract infection. As such is is most frequently seen in older patients and is more common in women.

Pathology

Histologically there are numerous small submucosal epithelial-lined cysts representing cystic degeneration of metaplastic epithelium or submucosal Brunn cell nests ^1-3. Their walls are transparent macroscopically, and the fluid contained within is mucoproteinacous. There is often a surrounding infiltrate of lymphocytes ⁴.

Organisms frequently involved include:

E. coli : most common
M. tuberculosis
Enterococcus
Proteus sp.
Schistosomiasis

Radiographic features

Whether imaged with conventional intravenous excretory urography or more recently with a CT urogram, the appearance is that of multiple small 2 - 5mm smooth walled rounded lucent filling defects projecting into the lumen, usually of the ureter. Rarely they can be up to 2-3 cm in size ^2,4.

They are most common in the proximal ureter, but can be seen anywhere along the urinary tract : bladder (cystitis cystica) or renal pelvis (pyelitis cystica). The condition is demonstrated bilaterally in up to 50% of cases ⁴.

Treatment and prognosis

Usually no treatment is required for ureteritis cystic per se, but rather the underlying cause of chronic infection may need treatment (e.g. nephrolithiasis). In such cases the condition may resolve. Often, when no treatable underlying condition is present, the appearance remains stable over time ⁴.

There is perhaps and increased incidence of formation of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) although this may relate to the common underlying cause of chronic inflammation rather than ureteritis cystica ^{ref needed}.