CVA tenderness

CVA Tenderness is a medical term that refers to pain or tenderness that is elicited upon palpation of the costovertebral angle (CVA), a region of the back where the lower ribs meet the spine. This tenderness is often a sign of pathology in the kidneys or surrounding structures and is commonly assessed during a physical examination when a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) or other renal conditions are suspected.

Etiology

CVA tenderness is most frequently associated with conditions that cause inflammation or irritation of the kidneys. The most common cause is pyelonephritis, a type of urinary tract infection that has ascended to the kidneys, leading to inflammation. Other causes may include kidney stones, hydronephrosis (swelling of a kidney due to a build-up of urine), and other forms of nephritis.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with CVA tenderness may present with a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to, fever, chills, dysuria (painful urination), urgency, and frequency of urination, alongside flank pain which may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin. The presence of CVA tenderness is a significant clinical finding that warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of conditions associated with CVA tenderness typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Urinalysis and urine culture can help identify infections, while blood tests may reveal signs of inflammation or impaired kidney function. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI are often employed to visualize the kidneys and surrounding structures for any abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for conditions causing CVA tenderness depends on the underlying cause. Infections such as pyelonephritis are usually treated with antibiotics. Pain management, hydration, and sometimes hospitalization may be necessary depending on the severity of the condition. For non-infectious causes like kidney stones, treatment may involve pain relief, measures to facilitate stone passage, or surgical interventions in more severe cases.

Prevention

Preventive measures for conditions leading to CVA tenderness primarily focus on reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and maintaining good urinary tract health. This includes adequate hydration, proper hygiene, and, in some cases, prophylactic antibiotics for individuals with recurrent infections.

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on CVA tenderness for any updates.

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