Hematuria Differential Diagnosis
The presence of blood in the urine, or hematuria, can be caused by a variety of conditions affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Here's a differential diagnosis for hematuria, categorized for clarity:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is often the most common cause of hematuria, especially in women. UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder and urinary tract, leading to bleeding.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Stones in the kidney or ureter can cause bleeding due to the abrasion of the urinary tract lining.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland can lead to urinary retention and bleeding.
- Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder, which can be due to infection or other causes, leading to hematuria.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss, as it can present with painless hematuria.
- Kidney Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, kidney cancer can cause hematuria and is crucial to diagnose early.
- Trauma: Physical injury to the urinary tract can cause hematuria and must be considered, especially in the context of recent accidents or injuries.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the type IV collagen in the kidneys, leading to hematuria, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the kidneys and lungs, which can lead to hematuria.
- Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder that can cause sickling of red blood cells in the kidneys, leading to ischemia and potentially hematuria.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect the kidneys and cause hematuria.
Each of these diagnoses has a different set of risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests (such as urinalysis, imaging studies, and biopsy) are essential for determining the underlying cause of hematuria.