Cystitis Cystica / Glandularis

Definition

von Brunn nests, cystitis cystica and cystitis glandularis are common
- When scattered and superficial they are probably normal
  - No need to diagnose such foci
- When florid they may simulate neoplasm (see Florid von Brunn Nests)
Cystitis cystica and cystitis glandularis are defined as lumens formed within von Brunn nests
- They frequently are intermixed and may form a spectrum
- Spaces may be encompassed by size of usual nests or be cystically dilated
- Spaces in cystitis cystica are lined by urothelial cells
- Spaces in cystitis glandularis are lined by differentiated mucous cells
  - Urothelial cells still form the periphery of the nests
  - If mucin positive goblet cells are present, it can be termed intestinal type
    - If outer urothelial cells are lacking, better terminology may be intestinal metaplasia (Williamson)

Robert V Rouse MD
Department of Pathology
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford CA 94305-5342