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Published on: May 7, 2020
"Meningitis-retention syndrome": a review
Ryuji Sakakibara1, Masahiko Kishi, Yohei Tsuyusaki
1Department of Neurology, Internal Medicine, Sakura Medical Center, Toho University, Sakura, Japan. sakakibara@sakura.med.toho-u.ac.jp
Aims:
A peculiar combination of acute urinary retention and aseptic meningitis has been described. This combination is referred to as meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS), since patients with this syndrome exhibited no other abnormalities, except for mild pyramidal involvement. We aimed to delineate this syndrome by reviewing literatures.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify the frequency, clinical symptoms, urodynamic findings, putrative underlying pathology, and management of this syndrome.
Results:
Patients with MRS have typical symptoms of fever, headache, stiff neck, and minor pyramidal signs, together with acute urinary retention. The bladder is initially areflexic, but soon becomes either normal or overactive in the repeated urodynamics during the course of the disorder. MRS is thought to be a very mild form of acute disseminated encephalomyelopathy (ADEM), with increased cell count, total protein, and occasional myelin basic protein in the cerebrospinal fluid. Proper management of the acute urinary retention is necessary to avoid bladder injury due to overdistension. The effectiveness of immune treatments (e.g., steroid pulse therapy) in shortening the urinary retention period awaits further study.
Conclusions:
Although rare, MRS is a disorder that both urologists and neurologists may encounter. MRS should be listed in the differential diagnosis of acute urinary retention.
Insights
Meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS) presents with aseptic meningitis and acute urinary retention. Early recognition and management are crucial for preventing bladder damage.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
- Immunology
Background:
- Meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition characterized by aseptic meningitis and acute urinary retention.
- Patients may exhibit mild pyramidal signs, with no other significant abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on meningitis-retention syndrome.
- To delineate the syndrome's frequency, clinical presentation, urodynamic findings, pathology, and management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review.
- Analysis of clinical symptoms, urodynamic data, and cerebrospinal fluid findings.
Main Results:
- MRS patients present with fever, headache, stiff neck, pyramidal signs, and acute urinary retention.
- Bladder function progresses from areflexic to normal or overactive.
- The condition is considered a mild form of acute disseminated encephalomyelopathy (ADEM).
- Cerebrospinal fluid may show increased cells, protein, and myelin basic protein.
Conclusions:
- Meningitis-retention syndrome is a rare but important diagnosis for urologists and neurologists.
- MRS should be included in the differential diagnosis for acute urinary retention.
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