Urinary retention complicated by hematocolpos in an adolescent girl: Case report

This case report is intended to present an unusual cause of urinary retention by a congenital vaginal obstruction, such as hematocolpos. Hematocolpos is an obstruction of the menstrual flow due to an anomaly of the genital tract, with imperforate hymen being the most common one.

A 12-year-old female patient, was referred to our emergency department for recurrent abdominal pain lasting approximately 90 days. She presented with intermittent dysuria and supra pubic fullness. Ultrasonography confirmed acute urinary retention and features of hematocolpos [7].

High index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose and treat such patients promptly. Patients usually present with cyclic pain, primary amenorrhea, incomplete emptying of urine, chronic constipation, back pain and recurrent urinary tract infections. Our patient presented with acute urinary retention.

This case report highlights the importance of early recognition of hematocolpos as a potential cause of cyclic pain, and urinary symptoms. Prompt and accurate diagnosis with the appropriate surgical managements, to resolve their symptoms with successful outcomes.