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Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing a Bedside Protocol for Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasonography
Published on: June 21, 2024
Polycythemia in a Patient With Atonic Bladder and Hydronephrosis
Vatsala Katiyar1, Talha Aijaz1, Prasanth Lingamaneni2
1Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, USA.
Abstract:
Kidneys influence the production of red blood cells by secreting most of the erythropoietin (EPO) in adults. Consequently, renal diseases often impact erythropoiesis and hemoglobin levels. Chronic kidney diseases lead to anemia due to EPO deficiency. However, erythrocytosis can occur in patients with cystic diseases of the kidney and renal artery stenosis due to upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and increased EPO production. Here, we present a patient with secondary polycythemia who was found to have atonic bladder and hydronephrosis. Resolution of hydronephrosis led to the reversal of erythrocytosis, highlighting the intricate regulation of red cell production.
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