Differential Diagnosis for Acute Pyelonephritis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) with ascent to the kidneys: This is the most common cause of acute pyelonephritis, often resulting from the ascent of bacteria from the lower urinary tract.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney stones with infection: The presence of kidney stones can obstruct the flow of urine, leading to an increased risk of infection.
- Sepsis from a urinary source: Bacteria from the urinary tract can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.
- Prostatitis: In men, prostatitis can cause symptoms similar to pyelonephritis and may be associated with a urinary tract infection.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic shock: A life-threatening condition that can occur if the infection spreads to the bloodstream and is not promptly treated.
- Papillary necrosis: A condition where part of the kidney tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, often associated with diabetes or analgesic abuse.
- Emphysematous pyelonephritis: A severe infection of the kidney characterized by gas formation in the kidney tissue, often seen in diabetic patients.
- Perinephric abscess: A collection of pus around the kidney that can occur as a complication of pyelonephritis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: A rare form of chronic pyelonephritis characterized by the destruction of kidney tissue and the presence of granulomatous tissue.
- Malakoplakia: A rare inflammatory condition that can affect the urinary tract and mimic pyelonephritis.
- Tuberculosis of the kidney: A rare cause of pyelonephritis, often associated with systemic tuberculosis infection.