Differential Diagnosis for Hematuria in a Man
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a common cause of hematuria, especially in men with underlying conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones can cause hematuria due to the stone's movement and irritation of the urinary tract. The presence of severe pain, typically radiating from the flank to the groin, often accompanies kidney stones.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): BPH can cause hematuria due to the enlarged prostate gland irritating the urinary tract or causing urinary retention, which can lead to infection or stone formation.
- Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer can cause hematuria, especially in older men. The cancer can irritate the urinary tract or cause obstruction, leading to blood in the urine.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss. It can cause painless hematuria, and delayed diagnosis can lead to poor outcomes.
- Trauma: Trauma to the urinary tract, such as from a car accident or fall, can cause hematuria. It is essential to consider trauma in the differential diagnosis, especially if the patient has a history of recent injury.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle cell disease can cause hematuria due to sickling of red blood cells in the urinary tract. This diagnosis is crucial to consider in patients with a known history of sickle cell disease.
Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the type IV collagen in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and progressive kidney disease.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the kidneys and lungs, leading to hematuria and respiratory symptoms.
- Vasculitis: A group of rare disorders that cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to hematuria and other systemic symptoms.
- Tuberculosis: A rare cause of hematuria, typically seen in patients with a history of tuberculosis or those who have traveled to endemic areas.