Differential Diagnosis for an 8-year-old Girl with Burning Micturition and Dysuria
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of dysuria and burning micturition in children, especially in girls due to their shorter urethra which facilitates bacterial entry into the bladder.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vulvovaginitis: Inflammation of the vulva and vagina, common in prepubertal girls, can cause dysuria due to the proximity of the urethral opening to the inflamed area.
- Urethral Syndrome: Symptoms similar to UTI but without evidence of infection, possibly due to urethral irritation or other non-infectious causes.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Though less common in this age group, STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause similar symptoms and should be considered, especially with a relevant history.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Though rare in children, kidney stones can cause severe pain and dysuria. Missing this diagnosis could lead to complications like obstruction or infection.
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Can present with symptoms including frequent urination, which might be mistaken for a UTI. The metabolic derangements in DKA can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed.
- Appendicitis: In some cases, appendicitis can present with urinary symptoms if the appendix is located near the bladder or ureter, causing irritation.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A rare cause of chronic urinary symptoms, including dysuria and burning micturition, especially in areas where TB is common.
- Interstitial Cystitis: A condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, which can be mistaken for UTIs or other conditions.
- Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait: Can cause urinary tract issues due to sickling in the low oxygen environment of the kidney medulla, leading to ischemia and potentially symptoms like dysuria.