Diagnosis and differential diagnoses
Other conditions with similar symptoms
to pyelonephritis, some of which may be
potentially life threatening include (Fulop
and Mena 2012):
Ectopic pregnancy.
Appendicitis.
Sexually transmitted infections.
Epididymitis (inflammation of the area
where sperm is developed and stored).
Acute pancreatitis.
Renal calculi.
Urinary tract infection.
Symptoms confined to the lower urinary tract,
with the absence of significant pain, fever and
systemic ill health in otherwise healthy sexually
active young females, may be indicative of lower, uncomplicated urinary tract infection.
However, in patients with pyelonephritis, fever,
flank pain and systemic features of ill health
may indicate upper urinary tract or kidney
infection (Fulop and Mena 2012). Given the
unreliability and inconsistency of clinical
signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis, certain
diagnostic and investigative procedures may
be necessary to enhance diagnostic accuracy