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Meningitis retention syndrome
Abhishek Krishna1, Pavan Devulapally, Ibrahim Ghobrial
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre-McKeesport Hospital, McKeesport, PA, USA.
Summary
Meningitis Retention Syndrome (MRS), a rare complication of meningitis often caused by HSV-2, can lead to urinary retention. Early antiviral treatment in a patient with aseptic meningitis and HSV-2 showed a favorable outcome.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningitis Retention Syndrome (MRS) is a rare complication of meningitis characterized by urinary retention.
- It is most frequently associated with Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) meningitis.
Observation:
- A 50-year-old woman presented with meningitis symptoms, flu-like illness, and urinary retention.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed aseptic meningitis with HSV-2 detected by PCR.
- Brain and spine MRIs were normal, but the patient exhibited atonic bladder causing significant urinary retention.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with Meningitis Retention Syndrome (MRS), a condition linked to meningitis and urinary retention.
- This case highlights the association between HSV-2 meningitis and MRS, a poorly understood neurological complication.
- MRS is distinguished from Elsberg syndrome, which involves lumbosacral polyradiculitis.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and prompt antiviral therapy are crucial for managing MRS and improving patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the central pathway involvement in the pathogenesis of MRS.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing MRS as a potential complication in patients with meningitis, particularly HSV-2 meningitis.
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