Differential Diagnosis for Kidney Condition with Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): This is the most common cause of acute kidney pain, often presenting with severe, colicky pain, typically radiating from the flank to the groin.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney, which can cause flank pain, fever, and other urinary symptoms.
- Kidney Cyst: A fluid-filled sac in the kidney that can cause pain if it becomes large enough to press on surrounding tissues.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, which can cause pain, hematuria, and proteinuria.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Renal Infarction: A blockage of the blood supply to the kidney, which can cause severe pain and potentially lead to kidney failure if not promptly treated.
- Sepsis from a urinary tract infection: While not exclusively a kidney condition, sepsis originating from a urinary tract infection can involve the kidneys and is life-threatening.
- Renal Cell Carcinoma: Although less common, kidney cancer can cause pain, especially in advanced stages, and early detection is crucial for treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, which can cause pain, hypertension, and kidney failure.
- Renal Artery Aneurysm: A rare condition where an aneurysm forms in the artery supplying the kidney, potentially causing pain and risking rupture.
- Medullary Sponge Kidney: A rare congenital disorder that can cause the formation of small cysts in the kidneys, leading to pain, kidney stones, and recurrent infections.