Imperforate hymen causing hematocolpos, hematometra and acute urinary retention in an adolescent girl

Abdominal pain is a common occurrence in the adolescent demographic, encompassing a wide range of differential diagnoses. The etiology of abdominal pain can be categorized into gastrointestinal, urologic, and gynecologic causes. In the female pediatric population, acute urinary retention is an uncommon but noteworthy source of abdominal pain, typically resulting from an obstructive process. Hence, it is imperative to perform a comprehensive physical examination prior to deciding on the management approach. We present the case of a 11-year-old girl who visited the emergency department due to suprapubic discomfort and acute urinary retention. The patient had no significant medical or surgical history, and her neurological examinations were normal. Urinary catheterization drained 500 mL of urine. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a hematocolpos compressing the urinary bladder. Further gynecologic history indicated that the patient had not yet experienced menarche. Consequently, a cruciate incision was performed, which resolved her urinary retention. This article aims to emphasize that although rare, imperforate hymen should be considered as a potential cause of acute urinary retention during adolescence. If an adolescent presents with abdominal pain and voiding difficulties, it is crucial to obtain a detailed gynecological history and conduct a thorough physical examination of the genital introitus.