Differential Diagnosis for Hematuria

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is often the most common cause of hematuria, especially in women. The presence of bacteria in the urine can cause inflammation and bleeding, leading to hematuria.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Kidney Stones: Stones in the urinary tract can cause bleeding due to the irritation and damage they inflict on the lining of the urinary tract.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland can lead to urinary retention and bleeding.
• Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder, which can be caused by infection, radiation, or certain chemicals, can lead to 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 not treated early.
• Trauma: Physical injury to the urinary tract, such as from a car accident or a fall, can cause hematuria and is essential to identify promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

• Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the type IV collagen in the body, leading to kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities, and can cause hematuria.
• Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause kidney inflammation and bleeding.
• Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin production and can lead to various complications, including hematuria due to sickling in the kidneys.
• Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect the kidneys and cause hematuria, is a rare but important consideration.