Differential Diagnosis for Leukocytes in Urine
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The presence of leukocytes in urine is a common indicator of a UTI, which is a bacterial infection of the urinary system. This diagnosis is likely due to the high prevalence of UTIs and the typical presentation of leukocytes in the urine.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Leukocytes can be present in the urine due to the inflammation caused by kidney stones. This diagnosis is likely as kidney stones can cause significant discomfort and lead to urinary tract inflammation.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause leukocytes to appear in the urine. This diagnosis is likely in male patients presenting with urinary symptoms and leukocytes in the urine.
- Interstitial Cystitis: This condition, also known as painful bladder syndrome, can cause inflammation of the bladder wall, leading to the presence of leukocytes in the urine.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney itself, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It is crucial to consider this diagnosis due to its potential severity and the need for aggressive treatment.
- Sepsis: In rare cases, the presence of leukocytes in the urine can be a sign of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.
- Tuberculosis (TB) of the Urinary Tract: Although rare, TB can infect the urinary tract and cause leukocytes to appear in the urine. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment and significant morbidity.
Rare Diagnoses
- Malignancy: Certain types of cancer, such as bladder or kidney cancer, can cause inflammation and lead to the presence of leukocytes in the urine. While rare, it is essential to consider malignancy in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors or other suspicious symptoms.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This autoimmune disease can affect various parts of the body, including the kidneys, leading to inflammation and the presence of leukocytes in the urine. SLE is a rare but important consideration in patients with a complex presentation of symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition in which inflammatory cells form lumps known as granulomas in some organs of the body. While rare, sarcoidosis can affect the kidneys and urinary tract, leading to the presence of leukocytes in the urine.