Differential Diagnosis for Urinary Retention
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is a common condition in older men where the prostate gland enlarges, potentially blocking the flow of urine and leading to urinary retention.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Especially in men with underlying conditions such as diabetes or those with catheter use, UTIs can cause irritation and lead to urinary retention.
- Neurogenic Bladder: Conditions affecting the nerves that control the bladder, such as diabetes, stroke, or spinal cord injuries, can lead to urinary retention.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, including anticholinergics, antihistamines, and some antidepressants, can cause urinary retention as a side effect.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Spinal Cord Compression: A medical emergency that can cause urinary retention among other symptoms, requiring immediate intervention.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A condition where the nerves in the spinal canal are compressed, leading to urinary retention and potentially permanent nerve damage if not promptly treated.
- Posterior Urethral Valves: A congenital condition in males that can cause obstructive uropathy and urinary retention, more commonly diagnosed in infancy but can be missed.
- Rare diagnoses
- Bladder Neck Contracture: A narrowing of the bladder neck that can cause obstructive urinary symptoms, including retention, often as a result of trauma, surgery, or inflammation.
- Urethral Stricture: A narrowing of the urethra that can impede the flow of urine, leading to retention, often due to injury, instrumentation, or infection.
- Prostate Cancer: Although less common than BPH, prostate cancer can also cause urinary retention by obstructing the urethra.