Two Cases of Intractable Radiation-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis Treated with Transcatheter Embolization

Tokai J Exp Clin Med. 2023 Dec 20;48(4):114-116.

Abstract

Radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis is a late complication of radiotherapy, and in rare cases, refractory. Refractory bleeding may not be resolved by transurethral electrocoagulation (TUEC) or hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy and requires transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) or urinary diversion. Here, we report two cases of radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis successfully treated with TAE. Case 1 was a 61-yearold man who underwent total prostatectomy for prostate cancer followed by salvage radiation therapy. The patient developed radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis 2 years and 3 months after radiotherapy. After no improvement with TUEC and HBO, TAE was performed. Case 2 was a 78-year-old man who underwent total prostatectomy followed by salvage radiation therapy and developed radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis 12 years later. TAE was performed after no improvement with HBO. TAE proved successful in both patients, and there was no relapse. TAE is a potential treatment option for refractory radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cystitis* / surgery
  • Cystitis* / therapy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic* / adverse effects
  • Hemorrhage / complications
  • Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / complications
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / radiotherapy
  • Radiation Injuries* / complications
  • Radiation Injuries* / therapy