aetiology with respect to frequency

Last reviewed 01/2018

Commonest cause:

  • urinary tract infection

also common:

  • renal tract stones

Less common causes:

  • renal trauma and infarction
  • benign prostatic hypertrophy
  • benign microscopic haematuria
  • glomerulonephritis
  • malignant hypertension
  • bleeding diathesis (anticoagulant treatment)
  • ulcer at the urethral meatus

Uncommon causes:

  • hydronephrosis
  • polycystic disease
  • transitional cell carcinoma
  • renal adenocarcinoma or Wilm's tumour

Rare causes:

  • polyarteritis nodosa, SLE, vasculitis, infective endocarditis
  • atrial fibrillation - microemboli settling in the kidneys