Open Access

ARTICLE

Hematuria: etiology and evaluation for the primary care physician

Jitesh V. Patel¹, Christopher V. Chambers², Leonard G. Gomella¹

1 Department of Urology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
2 Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Address correspondence to Dr. Leonard G. Gomella, Department of Urology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 1025 Walnut Street, Suite 1112 College Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA

Canadian Journal of Urology 2008, 15(Suppl.4), 54-62.

Abstract

Asymptomatic microscopic and gross hematuria are common problems for the primary care physician. The exact defi nition of microscopic hematuria is debated, but is defi ned by one group as > 3 red blood cells/high power microscopic fi eld. While the causes of hematuria are extensive, the most common differential diagnosis for both microscopic and gross hematuria in adults includes infection, malignancy, and urolithiasis. Clinical evaluation of these patients often involves urological consultation with urine cytology, urine culture, imaging studies, and cystoscopy. Patients who have no identifi able cause after an extensive workup should be monitored for early detection of malignancy or occult renal disease.

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