Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026
Induction of Nephrotic Syndrome in Mice by Retrobulbar Injection of Doxorubicin and Prevention of Volume Retention by Sustained Release Aprotinin
Published on: May 6, 2018
Meningitis-retention syndrome: Clinical features, frequency and prognosis
Akiyuki Hiraga1, Satoshi Kuwabara2
1Department of Neurology, Chiba Rosai Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
Background:
Meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS) is a peculiar combination of aseptic meningitis (AM) and acute urinary retention without other neurological symptoms. MRS has not been well recognised, and the prevalence of MRS in patients with AM is unknown.
Objective:
To investigate the frequency and clinical features of MRS.
Methods:
Clinical and laboratory features of patients with MRS who were consecutively admitted to the Chiba Rosai Hospital between 2009 and 2017.
Results:
Of the 37 patients with AM, MRS was observed in three (8%). In MRS patients, the mean latency between the onset of meningeal symptoms (headache and/or fever) and the three clinical course milestones (the onset of voiding difficulty, urinary retention and recovery of no residual urine volume) were 8, 9.3 and 18 days, respectively. Patients with MRS frequently showed elevated cerebrospinal fluid adenosine deaminase levels and decreased cerebrospinal fluid/serum glucose ratios. All patients with MRS recovered without a specific treatment, and the mean hospital stay was 18 days.
Conclusions:
MRS may be more common than is generally considered. The long-term prognosis of MRS was good, and it was a self-limiting condition. However, it is likely to be underreported or misdiagnosed. Therefore, it is important to recognise that patients with AM may have MRS.
Insights
Meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition combining aseptic meningitis and urinary retention. This study found MRS in 8% of aseptic meningitis patients, highlighting its potential underdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS) is a rare condition characterized by aseptic meningitis (AM) and acute urinary retention without other neurological deficits.
- MRS is not widely recognized, and its prevalence among AM patients remains unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of MRS in patients diagnosed with AM.
- To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of MRS patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with MRS admitted to Chiba Rosai Hospital from 2009 to 2017.
- Analysis of clinical and laboratory data, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis and urinary function.
Main Results:
- MRS was identified in 3 out of 37 (8%) patients with AM.
- The mean latency from meningeal symptom onset to urinary retention was 9.3 days.
- Elevated CSF adenosine deaminase and low CSF/serum glucose ratios were common in MRS patients.
Conclusions:
- MRS may be more prevalent than currently recognized and is often underreported or misdiagnosed.
- MRS is a self-limiting condition with a good long-term prognosis, typically resolving without specific treatment.
- Recognizing MRS in patients with AM is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests