Radiculomyelopathy associated with herpes simplex genitalis treated with adenosine arabinoside

A case of herpes simplex genitalis producing radiculomyelopathy with urinary retention is reported. The patient was treated with adenosine arabinoside intravenously and made a complete recovery over 4 weeks. Although herpes simplex genitalis is common, neurological sequelae, particularly cord involvement, are distinctly rare. It should, nevertheless, be considered in the differential diagnosis of urinary retention, with or without long-tract signs, in young patients.