Loin pain hematuria syndrome: a psychiatric and surgical conundrum

Abstract

Purpose of review: The loin pain hematuria syndrome presents a dilemma with regards to the etiology, as well as the treatment of this rarely seen entity. In view of the increasing frequency of diagnosis, and the question of whether this disorder constitutes a somatoform disorder or a physical disorder remedied through renal autotransplantation we should familiarize ourselves with this condition, so as to clarify its nature.

Recent findings: There may be a subset of loin pain hematuria syndrome patients that have a somatoform disorder. Patients appear to have better outcomes with autotransplantation, than with intraureteric capsaicin treatment or renal denervation.

Summary: This paper attempts to provide an overview of the topic and propose further investigation to better determine whether a subset of these patients have a somatoform disorder.