What is the likely diagnosis for a 43-year-old male with hematuria and left-sided flank pain, with no evidence of urolithiasis or hydronephrosis on imaging?

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Differential Diagnosis for 43 yo Male Patient with Flank Pain and Hematuria

  • Single most likely diagnosis:
    • Pyelonephritis: The patient's symptoms of flank pain and hematuria, along with the recent treatment with Rocephin (a broad-spectrum antibiotic), suggest a possible diagnosis of pyelonephritis. The absence of calculi or hydronephrosis on imaging studies and the normal renal ultrasound evaluation support this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses:
    • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Given the patient's symptoms and the presence of blood in the urine, a UTI is a possible diagnosis. The normal ultrasound evaluation and the absence of calculi or hydronephrosis do not rule out a UTI.
    • Interstitial Nephritis: This condition can cause flank pain and hematuria, and the patient's recent antibiotic treatment could be a potential cause.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
    • Renal Cell Carcinoma: Given the patient's family history of kidney cancer, it is essential to consider the possibility of renal cell carcinoma, even though the ultrasound evaluation was normal.
    • Ureteral Obstruction: Although the imaging studies did not show any evidence of obstruction, it is crucial to rule out ureteral obstruction, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
    • Vasculitis: Conditions like vasculitis can cause flank pain and hematuria, and if left untreated, can lead to severe complications.
  • Rare diagnoses:
    • Renal Infarction: This condition can cause flank pain and hematuria, but it is relatively rare and would require further evaluation, such as a CT scan or MRI, to diagnose.
    • Renal Artery Aneurysm: Although rare, a renal artery aneurysm can cause flank pain and hematuria, and it is essential to consider this possibility, especially given the patient's family history of kidney disease.

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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