Bladder Pathologies - Exam Summary

These flashcards cover key concepts and high-yield facts related to bladder pathologies and cystitis.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is a bladder infection, also known as a UTI, characterized by inflammation of the bladder.

Which bacterium is the most common cause of cystitis?

Escherichia coli is the most common bacterium causing cystitis.

What are the risk factors for cystitis?

Risk factors include female anatomy (short urethra), urinary stasis (incomplete emptying), and the presence of catheters or procedures.

What is the pathogenesis of cystitis?

Bacteria ascend into the bladder and multiply, leading to inflammation of the bladder wall.

What are the classic urinary symptoms of cystitis?

Classic symptoms include burning urination (dysuria), frequency, and urgency.

What differentiates acute cystitis from chronic cystitis regarding imaging findings?

Acute cystitis has no imaging findings, while chronic cystitis shows thickened and irregular bladder wall on imaging.

What is emphysematous cystitis?

Emphysematous cystitis is a gas-forming bacterial infection of the bladder wall, strongly associated with diabetes.

What are the imaging findings for emphysematous cystitis?

Imaging findings include lucency (air) around the bladder, air in the bladder wall, and thickened bladder.

What is the treatment for cystitis?

Treatment typically includes antibiotics, such as sulfa drugs.

What is the infection progression chain related to cystitis?

The chain is cystitis → ureters → kidney → pyelonephritis.