Differential Diagnosis for Gross Hematuria
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is often the most common cause of gross hematuria, especially in women. UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation of the bladder and urinary tract, leading to bleeding.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Stones in the kidney or ureter can cause obstruction and trauma to the urinary tract, resulting in gross hematuria.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland can cause urinary retention, leading to bleeding.
- Trauma: Any form of trauma to the urinary tract, such as a car accident or a fall, can cause gross hematuria.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer is a critical diagnosis that must not be missed. Hematuria is often the first symptom of bladder cancer.
- Kidney Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, kidney cancer can also present with gross hematuria and must be ruled out.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Patients with sickle cell disease are at risk of developing sickle cell nephropathy, which can cause gross hematuria.
Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the type IV collagen in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and kidney disease.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the kidneys and lungs, leading to hematuria.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, such as in conditions like Wegener's granulomatosis, can cause gross hematuria.
- Bleeding Disorders: Rare bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, can also cause gross hematuria.