Malakoplakia (from Greek Malako "soft" + Plako "plaque") is a rare inflammatory condition which makes its presence known as a papule, plaque or ulceration that usually affects the genitourinary tract. : 274  However, it may also be associated with other bodily organs. It was initially described in the early 20th century as soft yellowish plaques found on the mucosa of the urinary bladder. Microscopically it is characterized by the presence of foamy histiocytes (called von Hansemann cells) with basophilic inclusions called Michaelis–Gutmann bodies. It usually involves gram-negative bacteria. Causes
Malakoplakia is thought to result from the insufficient killing of bacteria by macrophages. Therefore, the partially digested bacteria accumulate in macrophages and leads to a deposition of iron and calcium. The impairment of bactericidal activity manifests itself as the formation of an ulcer, plaque or papule. Malakoplakia is associated with patients with a history of immunosuppression due to lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, kidney transplantation, or because of long-term therapy with systemic corticosteroids. Diagnosis
As malakoplakia is a condition associated with chronic cystitis, it usually presents itself as a cystitis condition. The following investigations may help in making the diagnosis of malakoplakia:
Urinalysis which indicates presence of bacteria and white blood cells. Urine culture
Cystoscopic evaluation confirms presence of ulcer or papule. Biopsy to rule out other causes. The presence of large multinucleated malakoplakia giant cells with concretions called as Michaelis Gutman bodies on microscopy. Treatment
Treatments for malakoplakia include catheterizing the affected person  with full aseptic precautions.
Urinary bladder disease includes urinary bladder inflammation such as cystitis, bladder rupture and bladder obstruction (tamponade). Cystitis is common, sometimes referred to as urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by bacteria, bladder rupture occurs when the bladder is overfilled and not emptied while bladder tamponade is a result of blood clot formation near the bladder outlet. Cystitis
Cystitis is a urinary bladder inflammation that results from any one of a number of distinct syndromes. It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection in which case it is referred to as a urinary tract infection. Bladder trauma
Bladder rupture (rupture of bladder, N32.4) may occur if the bladder is overfilled and not emptied. This can occur in the case of binge drinkers who have consumed large quantities of fluids, but are not conscious of the need to urinate due to stupor. This condition is very rare in women, but does occur. Signs and symptoms include localized pain and uraemia (poisoning due to reabsorbed waste). Intra- and extraperitoneal rupture
Bladder rupture is divided into intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal rupture, with the latter encompassing 85% of post-traumatic bladder rupture. Intraperitoneal rupture is both more rare and associated with greater morbidity, requiring surgical repair due to the risk of non-healing and gram negative sepsis. Bladder tamponade
Bladder tamponade is obstruction of the bladder outlet due to heavy blood clot formation within it. It generally requires surgery. Such heavy bleeding is usually due to bladder cancer. See also
Underactive bladder
Overactive bladder

References
External links

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/topics/bladder.asp