A Rare Urachal Cyst in a Case of Ketamine-induced Cystitis Provides Mechanistic Insights.

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether the urothelial ulceration observed in ketamine-induced cystitis is triggered by urinary or systemic factors. This was achieved with a rare case where an urachal cyst was found near the bladder dome in a patient undergoing cystectomy for unremitting pain following ketamine abuse. METHODS: Clinical investigations included cystoscopy, video urodynamic investigation, and computed tomography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Histological staining was combined with immunoperoxidase labeling for markers of transitional epithelial differentiation. RESULTS: The urachus found near the dome of the bladder was observed to be a separate cyst, with no evidence of patency found during surgery or video urodynamic investigation. The urachus was lined by a mildly reactive metaplastic epithelium of mixed transitional and columnar morphologies. Evidence of widespread cytokeratin 13, basal p75(NTR), and sparse superficial uroplakin 3a immunoreactivity suggested the urachal epithelium was fundamentally transitional in nature. Near total loss of bladder urothelium was observed from regions in contact with urine, whereas the urachal epithelium (not exposed to urine) remained healthy. CONCLUSION: This study supports the hypothesis that urinary (and not systemic) factors are the main driver of urothelial ulceration in ketamine-induced cystitis. The most likely excreted factors responsible are ketamine and potentially its metabolites. This study reinforces the importance of complete cessation of ketamine use in patients with ketamine-induced cystitis.

Decision making among different treatment options for neurologically impaired boys with undescended testis: a multinational pediatric survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the attitude of referring pediatricians towards the decision of treatment modalities for undescended testis (UDT) in neurologic impaired boys (NIB). METHODS AND MATERIALS: An online questionnaire was offered to registered pediatricians in Austria and Germany for online completion. RESULTS: 221 male (61.6%) and 138 female (38.4%) pediatricians completed the survey; 326 (90.8%) believe that UDT should be treated according to national guidelines; 31 (8.6%) believe that UDT should be treated according to the parental wish, whereas only 2 (0.6%) tend to no treatment at all. Tumor prophylaxis, further sexual life, legal concerns, risks of anesthesia, and the choice of the parents have major impact on the perception of UDT. Moreover, fertility and limited life expectancy seem to be of minor importance only. In general, Pearson χ2 test could not identify age and sex of pediatricians as significant predictor of how the importance of the treatment of UDT is appraised. CONCLUSION: From the pediatric point of view UDT in NIB is an important issue and should be treated according to guidelines. Nevertheless, this study indicates the problems in decision-making and choosing the best management for UDT in NIB. Undoubtedly, further ethical discussion is needed to optimize treatment of UDT in NIB.