A case of lupus cystitis with a history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Abstract A 36-year-old Japanese woman who had been diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the age of 34 began to complain of severe bowel symptoms and developed severe hydroureteronephrosis. She had a history of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Biopsy specimens from her bladder showed interstitial cystitis. She was diagnosed as having lupus cystitis, and treated with intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by oral prednisolone and ureter catheterization. Her urinary and bowel symptoms were alleviated and the level of hydroureteronephrosis improved. We note that cystitis could be a primary manifestation of SLE. Patients not only with SLE but also with some autoimmune diseases require careful urological evaluation when they complain of severe bowel symptoms.