Single most likely diagnosis
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) supplementation: This is a common cause of fluorescent urine, as riboflavin is excreted in the urine and can cause it to glow under certain lighting conditions.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) supplementation: Similar to riboflavin, high doses of vitamin C can also cause urine to fluoresce.
- Fluorescein dye: This is a substance used in medical procedures, such as diagnostic tests for the eyes, and can cause urine to appear fluorescent.
- Certain medications (e.g., some antibiotics, antimalarials): Certain drugs can cause changes in urine color, including fluorescence.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Porphyrins: Disorders of porphyrin metabolism can cause urine to appear fluorescent due to the accumulation of porphyrin compounds. These conditions can be serious and require prompt diagnosis.
- Ethylene glycol poisoning: Although less common, ethylene glycol (found in antifreeze) poisoning can cause fluorescent urine and is a medical emergency.
Rare diagnoses
- Hyperbilirubinemia: In cases of severe liver dysfunction or hemolysis, bilirubin can accumulate in the urine, potentially causing a fluorescent appearance.
- Certain genetic disorders (e.g., alkaptonuria): These conditions can lead to the accumulation of specific compounds in the urine, which might cause fluorescence.