Differential Diagnosis for Hematuria
The differential diagnosis for hematuria is broad and can be categorized based on the likelihood and potential impact of each condition.
- 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 blood in the urine.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Stones in the kidney or ureter can cause bleeding due to obstruction and irritation of the urinary tract.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland can cause urinary retention, leading to bleeding.
- Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder, often due to infection or other irritants, can cause hematuria.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer is a critical diagnosis to consider, as it can present with painless hematuria.
- Kidney Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, kidney cancer can cause hematuria and is crucial not to miss due to its potential for severe outcomes if left untreated.
- Trauma: Significant trauma to the abdomen or back can cause injury to the kidneys or urinary tract, leading to hematuria.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the type IV collagen in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and progressive kidney disease.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the kidneys and lungs, which can present with hematuria.
- Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder that can cause sickling of red blood cells in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and other renal complications.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect the kidneys and cause hematuria, is a rare but important consideration.