Differential Diagnosis for Fever, UA with Large Blood and Protein, Painful Urination
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) with Pyelonephritis: This condition is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of fever, painful urination (dysuria), and the presence of blood and protein in the urine. Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney, can cause these symptoms and is a common cause of such presentations.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): Kidney stones can cause severe pain, dysuria, and hematuria (blood in the urine). While proteinuria (protein in the urine) is less common, it can occur, especially if there's an associated infection or obstruction.
- Glomerulonephritis: An inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, which can be caused by various factors including infections, autoimmune diseases, or vasculitis. It can present with hematuria, proteinuria, and sometimes fever and dysuria.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis due to UTI: Although less common, if a UTI progresses to sepsis, it can be life-threatening. The presence of fever and significant urinary findings should prompt consideration of this diagnosis, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
- Obstructive Uropathy with Infection: Obstruction of the urinary tract (e.g., by a stone or tumor) with superimposed infection can lead to severe consequences, including sepsis and loss of renal function. The symptoms can include those presented, along with possible flank pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tubulointerstitial Nephritis: An inflammation of the tubules and interstitial tissue of the kidneys, which can be caused by drugs, infections, or systemic diseases. It can present with fever, dysuria, and abnormalities in the urine, including blood and protein.
- Malignancy (e.g., Bladder or Kidney Cancer): Although less likely to present acutely with fever and painful urination, certain malignancies can cause hematuria and proteinuria. This diagnosis should be considered, especially in older patients or those with risk factors for cancer.