Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Flank Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): This condition is a common cause of bilateral flank pain, especially if the stones are moving or obstructing the ureters. The pain is often severe and can radiate to the groin.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidneys that can cause bilateral flank pain, fever, and other urinary symptoms.
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, which can cause flank pain, hematuria, and proteinuria.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, which can cause bilateral flank pain, hematuria, and kidney failure.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A potentially life-threatening condition that can cause bilateral flank pain, especially if the aneurysm is rupturing.
- Sickle Cell Crisis: A condition that can cause severe pain, including bilateral flank pain, due to vaso-occlusion in the kidneys.
- Renal Vein Thrombosis: A blood clot in the renal veins that can cause bilateral flank pain, hematuria, and kidney failure.
Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the type IV collagen in the kidneys, ears, and eyes, causing bilateral flank pain, hematuria, and kidney failure.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins in the kidneys, which can cause bilateral flank pain, proteinuria, and kidney failure.
- Renal Artery Stenosis: Narrowing of the renal arteries that can cause bilateral flank pain, hypertension, and kidney failure.