[Delirium in a 95-year-old patient]

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Nephrology
• Urology

Background:

• Urinary retention is a common condition, particularly in elderly men, often presenting with non-specific symptoms.
• Postrenal acute renal failure is a significant complication of untreated urinary obstruction.
• Delirium in older adults can have diverse underlying causes, including metabolic and organ-specific dysfunction.

Observation:

• A 95-year-old male presented with acute urinary retention, postrenal acute renal failure, and delirium.
• The patient's confusional state was initially ambiguous, highlighting the challenge in diagnosing the underlying cause.
• A thorough medical history and physical examination were instrumental in identifying urinary retention as the primary issue.

Findings:

• Acute urinary retention was identified as the direct cause of the patient's postrenal acute renal failure.
• Resolution of urinary retention led to the improvement of renal function and cognitive status.
• This case underscores the link between urinary obstruction and neurological changes in the elderly.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider urinary retention in the differential diagnosis for acute confusional states in older men.
• Emphasizes the importance of basic diagnostic tools like medical history and physical examination in clinical practice.
• Highlights the potential for reversible kidney injury and neurological impairment with timely intervention for urinary retention.