Haemorrhagic cystitis. Aetiology and treatment. Review of the literature.

Haemorrhagic cystitis consists of acute or insidious diffuse bleeding from the bladder mucosa. Although the aetiology of haemorrhagic cystitis is vari ed, the two predominant causes are chemical and irradiation. The chemical c ompounds most frequently responsible for haemorrhagic cystitis are oxaphosp horines (cyclophosphanmide, ifosfamide). Haemorrhagic cystitis may also be due to toxic or infectious causes (bacterial, fungal, parasitic or viral). Finally, haemorrhagic cystitis can occur in the context of a systemic disea se or may be isolated and idiopathic. Prevention of haemorrhagic cystitis, based on general measures and specific measures, is essential, but is not a lways effective. In the case of proven haemorrhagic cystitis, various treat ment options are available, including and can associate clot extraction, co ntinuous bladder irrigation, bladder instillations of haemostatic factors, formalin, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, arterial embolization or salvage surge ry. Although therapeutic management is usually effective, it can sometimes be difficult due to the severity of the bleeding and its repercussions on t he patient's general state. Deaths are not exceptional, emphasizing the ser iousness of haemorrhagic cystitis. Based on a review of the literature, the authors review the aetiology and treatment of haemorrhagic cystitis.