Etiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of interstitial cystitis.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a bladder syndrome of unknown etiology. The cause of IC is most likely multifactorial and includes genetic and environmental factors. Various pathophysiological changes in the bladder, pelvis, and peripheral and central nervous systems have been identified, and this has led to the emergence of biologically specific treatment modalities. Interstitial cystitis is being diagnosed with increasing frequency; however, current diagnostic criteria are non-uniform, and there is significant overlap between chronic pelvic pain syndromes in men and women, interstitial cystitis, recurrent "cystitis," and the overactive bladder syndrome. The diagnosis of interstitial cystitis can be made clinically and by cystoscopy and hydrodistension. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary markers and the potassium sensitivity test have not been prospectively studied.