Cyclic hematuria

What is cyclic hematuria?

Cyclic hematuria refers to a condition characterized by the presence of blood in the urine that occurs periodically or in a cyclic pattern, occurring at regular intervals.

This condition is also known as intermittent or recurrent hematuria. Here are some key points about cyclic hematuria:

Hematuria itself refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine, which can be visible to the naked eye (gross hematuria) or only detectable under a microscope (microscopic hematuria).

• This condition is also known as menuria.
• Cyclic hematuria may be reported by women during menstruation where hematuria correlates with menstrual periods, suggesting the possibility of endometriosis involving the urinary tract.
• This condition is most prominent in women during menstruation and shortly after menstruation.
• It is also seen with vesicouteral fistulae that usually arise as a complication of a previous cesarean section, Youssef syndrome.

What are the symptoms of Cyclic hematuria?

• The primary symptom of cyclic hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria), which occurs periodically in a cyclical pattern.
• The urine may appear pink, red, or brown in color.
• Other associated symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause, if known.

What causes cyclic hematuria?

There can be several causes of this condition, including:

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation of the urinary tract, leading to the presence of blood in the urine. In some cases, UTIs may occur in a cyclic pattern, resulting in recurring episodes of hematuria.
2. Kidney stones: The passage of kidney stones through the urinary tract can cause abrasion and damage to the urinary lining, resulting in blood in the urine. If a person has recurrent kidney stones, they may experience cyclic hematuria during episodes of stone passage.
3. Bladder or kidney infections: Infections of the bladder (cystitis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis) can cause hematuria. If these infections occur repeatedly or in a cyclic manner, they may be associated with cyclic hematuria.
4. Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis refers to inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the filtering units in the kidneys. This condition can lead to blood leakage into the urine, resulting in hematuria. Certain types of glomerulonephritis may exhibit cyclic patterns of hematuria.
5. Medications: Some medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), can increase the risk of bleeding and may cause cyclic hematuria in certain individuals.

How is this condition diagnosed?

• Diagnosing cyclic hematuria involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests.
• This may include urinalysis, urine culture, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan), and possibly further specialized tests based on the suspected cause.

How is this treated?

• Treatment for cyclic hematuria depends on the underlying cause. If a specific cause is identified, treatment will focus on addressing that cause.
• This may involve antibiotics for infections, medications to manage blood disorders, or procedures to address structural abnormalities.
• In some cases, the cause may be unknown, and treatment may involve managing the symptoms and monitoring for any changes or complications.

Summary

Cyclic hematuria refers to a condition where there is a regular and recurring presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) that follows a pattern or cycle. This pattern may be related to a specific time of day, menstrual cycle in females, or other periodic factors. Cyclic hematuria can have various underlying causes, and its diagnosis and management depend on identifying the specific cause.

Possible causes of cyclic hematuria include:

1. Bladder or Kidney Stones: Stones in the bladder or kidneys can cause intermittent bleeding when they move or irritate the urinary tract.
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Some UTIs can cause intermittent bleeding as a symptom, and the infection may follow a cyclic pattern.
3. Menstrual Related: In females, cyclic hematuria may coincide with the menstrual cycle due to changes in hormonal levels affecting the urinary tract.
4. Interstitial Cystitis: This chronic condition can cause bladder pain and bleeding that may follow a cyclic pattern.
5. Cancer: In some cases, bladder or kidney cancer can lead to cyclic hematuria, although this is less common.
6. Medications: Certain medications or treatments can lead to intermittent blood in the urine.
7. Exercise-Induced Hematuria: Some individuals may experience hematuria after vigorous exercise, which can be cyclic in nature if exercise routines are consistent.
8. Blood Disorders: Blood clotting disorders or certain blood diseases can cause cyclic hematuria.
9. Endometriosis: In females, endometriosis can cause bleeding from endometrial tissue in the urinary tract, leading to cyclic hematuria.
10. Other Kidney or Bladder Conditions: Conditions like glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, or other bladder conditions can sometimes lead to cyclic hematuria.

Diagnosing the underlying cause of cyclic hematuria requires a thorough medical evaluation. This typically includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, urine tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan), and sometimes cystoscopy (a procedure to examine the bladder with a camera).

If you or someone you know is experiencing cyclic hematuria, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. The treatment plan will depend on the specific cause identified by the healthcare provider.