Illicit ketamine and its bladder consequences: is it irreversible?

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Oct 30:2012:bcr2012007244. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-007244.

Abstract

Ketamine bladder is a new clinical entity that may lead to irreversible damage to the urinary system. We report the severe lower urinary tract symptoms of four young patients referred to our urology unit who were found to have ulcerative cystitis secondary to ketamine abuse. The pathophysiology remains unclear and the treatment is symptomatic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthetics, Dissociative / adverse effects*
  • Cystitis / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Ketamine / adverse effects*
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms / chemically induced*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Dissociative
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Ketamine