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Herpes zoster induced neuropathic bladder--a case report
Hsiu-Nan Tsai1, Wen-Jeng Wu, Shu-Pin Huang
1Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Rd., Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|May 23, 2002
Summary
Herpes zoster affecting sacral nerves can cause acute urinary retention. Prompt treatment with antivirals and urinary drainage leads to favorable prognosis and reversible bladder dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Herpes zoster (shingles) infections involving sacral dermatomes can lead to bladder dysfunction.
- Acute urinary retention is a rare but serious complication, with fewer than 150 cases reported.
Observation:
- A retrospective review identified three patients with acute urinary retention following sacral herpes zoster (S2-4 dermatomes).
- These patients previously had normal voiding but presented with detrusor areflexia/hyporeflexia and reduced bladder sensation.
Findings:
- Urodynamic studies confirmed reversible detrusor and bladder sensation deficits post-herpes zoster.
- All patients recovered spontaneous voiding within one to six weeks after treatment.
Implications:
- Herpes zoster-induced neuropathic bladder dysfunction is often reversible with appropriate management.
- Treatment includes antiviral medication, analgesics, and temporary urinary drainage (catheterization or cystostomy).