Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 23, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Gross Hematuria in an 84-year-old Male on Pradaxa

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Anticoagulant-related bleeding: Given the patient is on Pradaxa (dabigatran), an anticoagulant, the most likely cause of gross hematuria is bleeding related to the anticoagulation therapy. Pradaxa works by inhibiting thrombin, which can increase the risk of bleeding, including urinary tract bleeding.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are common in the elderly and can cause hematuria. The presence of an infection could be a contributing factor or a separate cause of hematuria.
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate is common in older men and can cause urinary retention, leading to bleeding.
  • Kidney Stones: While less common, kidney stones can cause severe pain and gross hematuria.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Bladder Cancer: Although less likely, bladder cancer is a critical diagnosis not to miss, as it can present with painless gross hematuria. The risk increases with age, and early detection is crucial for treatment.
  • Renal Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, renal cancer can cause hematuria and is important not to miss due to its potential for severe outcomes if not treated early.
  • Sepsis from a urinary source: Infection leading to sepsis can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention. While not directly causing hematuria, it can be associated with urinary symptoms and is critical to identify.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): AVMs in the urinary tract are rare and can cause bleeding. They are less likely but should be considered if other causes are ruled out.
  • Vasculitis: Certain types of vasculitis, such as IgA vasculitis, can affect the kidneys and cause hematuria. These conditions are rare and would typically present with other systemic symptoms.
  • Trauma: Although less likely in this context, any form of trauma (e.g., a fall) could cause hematuria, especially in an anticoagulated patient.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.