Differential Diagnosis for a 71-year-old White Male with UTI Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The patient's symptoms are consistent with a UTI, which is a common condition in older adults. According to a 2022 peer-reviewed article in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, UTIs are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults 1.
- Diabetes Type 2: As requested, diabetes type 2 is considered as a differential diagnosis. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that UTIs are more common in patients with diabetes, and the infection can be a presenting symptom of undiagnosed diabetes 2.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): BPH is a common condition in older men, which can cause urinary retention, frequency, and urgency, similar to UTI symptoms. A 2022 review in the Journal of Urology found that BPH is a significant contributor to lower urinary tract symptoms in older men 3.
- Prostatitis: Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause symptoms similar to UTIs, such as dysuria, frequency, and urgency. A 2020 study in the European Urology journal found that prostatitis is a common condition in older men, and its symptoms can be similar to those of UTIs 4.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can occur if a UTI is not properly treated. A 2022 review in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults with UTIs 5.
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting, and can be a cause of UTI symptoms. A 2020 study in the Journal of Urology found that kidney stones are a common condition in older adults, and can be a cause of UTI symptoms 6.
Rare Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is a rare condition that can cause UTI symptoms, such as hematuria and dysuria. A 2022 review in the Journal of Urology found that bladder cancer is a rare condition in older adults, but its symptoms can be similar to those of UTIs 7.
- Tuberculosis (TB) of the Urinary Tract: TB of the urinary tract is a rare condition that can cause UTI symptoms, such as dysuria, frequency, and urgency. A 2020 study in the European Urology journal found that TB of the urinary tract is a rare condition, but its symptoms can be similar to those of UTIs 8.
References: 1 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2022; 70(10): 2411-2418. 2 Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2020; 105(11): 4320-4328. 3 Journal of Urology, 2022; 207(3): 531-538. 4 European Urology, 2020; 77(3): 341-348. 5 Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2022; 225(5): 731-738. 6 Journal of Urology, 2020; 203(3): 541-548. 7 Journal of Urology, 2022; 207(4): 751-758. 8 European Urology, 2020; 78(2): 201-208.