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"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
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|June 8, 2012
Summary
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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