The destruction of the lower urinary tract by ketamine abuse: a new syndrome?
British Journal of Urology August 1, 2008 Peggy Chu, Wai‐kit Ma, Simon Chun‐wing Wong et al. 363 citations
Regular recreational use of street-ketamine for its hallucinogenic effects is linked to a syndrome of cystitis and contracted bladder. In 59 young abusers in Hong Kong, all had moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequency, urgency, dysuria, and urge incontinence. Cystoscopy in 42 patients (71%) showed epithelial inflammation resembling chronic interstitial cystitis, and all 12 bladder biopsies had similar histological features. Urodynamic abnormalities were present in all 47 patients tested. Unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis occurred in 30 patients (51%), and 8 had raised serum creatinine. Severe cases may lead to irreversible renal damage requiring dialysis.