cystitis, interstitial

cystitis, interstitial Chronic inflammation or irritation of the bladder wall of unknown cause. This inflammation can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, and even to ulcerations and bleeding. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, findings from cystoscopy and biopsy, and elimination of other treatable causes, such as infection, as suspects. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms. Abbreviated IC.