CT Findings May Signal Bladder Fungal Balls

Case report suggests imaging features could help physicians recognize obstructive fungal masses in high-risk patients

By
Andrea Surnit
April 20, 2026
2 min

MDSpire News

Objective:

To highlight the CT imaging characteristics that may indicate the presence of bladder fungal balls, a rare cause of urinary obstruction, particularly in diabetic patients.

Approach:

Key Findings:

CT showed multiple irregular, gas-containing nodules in the bladder, consistent with emphysematous cystitis.
Pathological evaluation revealed fungal hyphae, confirming Candida tropicalis.
Antifungal therapy alone was insufficient to resolve the obstructing masses, leading to near-complete filling of the bladder lumen.

Interpretation:

CT findings of irregular bladder nodules with gas should raise strong suspicion for bladder fungal balls, especially in diabetic patients.

Limitations:

Single-patient design limits generalizability.
Absence of definitive intervention hampers assessment of treatment effectiveness.
Lack of long-term follow-up.

Conclusion:

CT imaging can aid in the identification of bladder fungal balls, but management typically requires both antifungal therapy and procedural intervention, such as cystoscopic evacuation.