Differential Diagnosis for 7mm Bladder Wall Thickening
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Cystitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the bladder, often due to infection, which can lead to thickening of the bladder wall. The 7mm thickness is consistent with chronic inflammation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Neurogenic Bladder: Conditions affecting the nerves controlling the bladder can lead to incomplete emptying, causing the bladder wall to thicken over time.
- Bladder Outlet Obstruction: Obstructions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men or urethral strictures, can cause the bladder to work harder, leading to muscle thickening.
- Interstitial Cystitis: Also known as painful bladder syndrome, this condition involves chronic pain and inflammation, which can result in bladder wall thickening.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer can cause thickening of the bladder wall. It's crucial to rule out malignancy, especially in patients with risk factors like smoking or exposure to certain chemicals.
- Schistosomiasis: In endemic areas, this parasitic infection can cause bladder wall thickening and is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its potential for severe complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Cystitis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the bladder wall, leading to thickening and potentially mimicking other conditions.
- Malacoplakia: A rare inflammatory condition that can affect the bladder, causing wall thickening among other symptoms.
- Amyloidosis: Systemic amyloidosis can rarely involve the bladder, leading to wall thickening, though this is an uncommon presentation.