Gynecologic presentation of interstitial cystitis as detected by intravesical potassium sensitivity

OBJECTIVE: To document the initial clinical diagnoses, determine the preval ence of urinary symptoms, and test for intravesical potassium sensitivity i n gynecologic patients with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: Gynecologists at three United States medical centers administered the Potassium Sensitivity Test to consecutive unselected pelvic pain patien ts. Before testing, each patient was given an initial clinical diagnosis ba sed on the patient's chief symptomatic complaint(s) and surveyed for urolog ic symptoms. RESULTS: Of 134 patients, 114 (85%) had positive potassium sensitivity. Pos itive potassium sensitivity rates were similar across all three sites and a ll clinical diagnoses in; eluding endometriosis, vulvodynia (vulvar vestibu litis), and pelvic pain, A total of 75% of the subjects reported urologic s ymptoms, but only 2.9% received an initial diagnosis of interstitial cystit is. CONCLUSION: A significant majority of gynecologic patients presenting with pelvic pain have a positive Potassium Sensitivity Test, indicating their pa in may have a. bladder component (interstitial cystitis). Interstitial cyst itis deserves greater consideration in the differential diagnosis of chroni c pelvic pain. (C) 2001 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gyneco logists.