Differential Diagnosis for 70 year old male with suspected UTI

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation. UTIs are common in older adults, especially men, due to factors like prostatic hypertrophy, which can obstruct urine flow and increase the risk of infection.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be caused by infection and presents with symptoms similar to UTI, such as dysuria and frequent urination.
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): While not an infection, BPH can cause urinary retention, frequency, and urgency, mimicking the symptoms of a UTI.
  • Overactive Bladder: A condition characterized by a sudden urge to urinate, which can be mistaken for a UTI due to overlapping symptoms like frequency and urgency.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses
  • Sepsis: Although less likely, sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can arise from an untreated UTI, especially in older adults with compromised immune systems.
  • Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney, which can present with symptoms similar to a lower UTI but requires more aggressive treatment due to the risk of kidney damage.
  • Obstructive Uropathy: Conditions like kidney stones or tumors can obstruct urine flow, leading to infection and potentially severe consequences if not addressed promptly.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, which can be mistaken for a UTI due to similar symptoms like frequency and urgency.
  • Bladder Cancer: Although rare, it can present with hematuria (blood in the urine) and other symptoms that might be attributed to a UTI, making it a diagnosis not to overlook in older adults.