Cystitis cystica: characteristics of the disease in children.

Cystitis cystica was found at cystoscopy in 157 children between the ages of 9 1/2 months and 14 years. Girls were affected much more often than boys, the proportion being 153 to 4. Urinary infection, most commonly caused by E. coli, was almost invariable. Urinary tract anomalies, in particular vesico-ureteric reflux, were frequently present. Histologically, the cysts were composed of submucous aggregations of lymphoid tissue. Cystitis cystica affecting the ureteric orifices may contribute to the occurence of reflux and involvement of the bladder neck may produce some degree of vesical outlet obstruction.