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This may accompany hematuria in inflammatory glomerular diseases. Isolated pyuria is most commonly observed in association with an infection of the upper or lower urinary tract. Pyuria may also occur with allergic interstitial nephritis (often with a preponderance of eosinophils), transplant rejection, and noninfectious, nonallergic tubulointerstitial diseases, including atheroembolic renal disease. The finding of “sterile” pyuria (i.e., urinary white blood cells without bacteria) in the appropriate clinical setting should raise suspicion of renal tuberculosis.

For a more detailed discussion, see Lin J, Denker BM: Azotemia and Urinary Abnormalities, Chap. 61, p. 289, in HPIM-19.

Outline

Section 3. Common Patient Presentations