Diagnostic considerations in urinary bladder wall calcification

Though a relatively uncommon finding in general radiologic practice, urinary bladder wall calcification has relatively few etiologies. A series of 19 patients with radiographically visible bladder wall calcification encompassing most of the known causes is presented and other reported causes are discussed. Eight patients had schistosomiasis, six had primary carcinoma of the bladder, two had encrustation cystitis, and one each had amyloidosis, cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, and tuberculosis. While a correct diagnosis is often not possible solely on the basis of the appearance of the calcification, such a diagnosis can usually be obtained expediently from a combination of history, clinical examination, appropriate laboratory studies, and radiographic evaluation of the bladder calcification and remaining urinary tract. Cystoscopy with biopsy of involved tissues is almost necessary, however, for confirmation and to rule out bladder neoplasia.