Lupus cystitis presenting with urinary symptoms

Abstract

We present a case of a young woman presenting with irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and microscopic hematuria who was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral hydronephrosis and a thickened bladder wall. Cystoscopic evaluation revealed severe diffuse inflammation, erythema and hemorrhage at the trigone with punctate extensions to the bladder base. She was treated with prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil with improvements in her symptoms and ultrasound findings. Lupus cystitis is a rare manifestation of SLE.