Beeturia Mimicking Painless Hematuria

Abstract

Excretion of red to brown urine is observed in a variety of clinical settings. Beeturia is defined as red to brown discolouration of urine after consumption of beets. The reddish colouration of the urine is due to the excretion of the reddish pigment betalaine (betanin). It is commonly seen in individuals with abnormalities in iron metabolism. Beeturia can also cause unnecessary anxiety among patients, their families and can lead to expensive investigations. We report a 43 years old woman who presented with suspicious painless hematuria and melaena after ingestion of beets.




doi:10.4021/jcs3w