CVA tenderness can indicate which of the following conditions?

CVA tenderness, or costovertebral angle tenderness, is commonly assessed during a physical examination to evaluate for renal pathology. When a patient exhibits CVA tenderness, it typically suggests inflammation or infection in the upper urinary tract, particularly involving the kidneys.

Pyelonephritis, an infection of the kidney often caused by bacteria ascending from the bladder, is the primary condition associated with CVA tenderness. The pain can arise from the inflammatory process and irritation of the surrounding structures, leading to a noticeable response when the area is palpated. Given its direct relationship with kidney inflammation, the presence of CVA tenderness serves as a key clinical sign in diagnosing pyelonephritis.

In contrast, pneumonia, cirrhosis, and cholecystitis are not associated with CVA tenderness. While pneumonia may cause pleuritic chest pain or other respiratory symptoms, it does not typically involve the kidneys. Cirrhosis relates to liver pathology, and while it can lead to abdominal pain, it does not pertain to tenderness in the costovertebral angle. Lastly, cholecystitis involves the gallbladder and presents with right upper quadrant pain, not involving the kidney area relevant for CVA tenderness.