Malakoplakia, a malignant mimic

Abstract

Malakoplakia is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects multiple systems, most commonly the urogenital tract. Its clinical presentation is often non-specific, but is typically characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections and haematuria. We report a rare case of intravesical malakoplakia mimicking an aggressive transitional cell carcinoma both in its clinical presentation and in its macroscopic appearance on cystoscopy in an 82-year patient, the oldest reported case in the literature. Malakoplakia has been described in the literature as a benign disease process presenting typically in younger patients. This case demonstrates its ability to cause obstructive uropathy and affect elderly patients. Thus, this case serves as a reminder to consider malakoplakia as a differential in the evaluation of suspected bladder malignancy in patients of all ages.