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Neurogenic bladder in Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Archives of Internal Medicine
|February 1, 1983
Summary
Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause temporary bladder dysfunction in adults. This neurogenic bladder resolved with treatment and recovery from the infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Urology
Background:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii.
- Neurologic complications of RMSF can occur, but bladder dysfunction is rare.
Observation:
- A previously healthy 29-year-old male presented with verified RMSF.
- The patient developed a flaccid neurogenic bladder during the course of his illness.
Findings:
- The neurogenic bladder resolved completely as the patient recovered from RMSF.
- This suggests a transient effect of the infection on bladder function.
Implications:
- Neurologic complications of RMSF may involve the autonomic nervous system controlling bladder function.
- Vasculitis leading to nervous tissue ischemia or infarction is the presumed mechanism.
- This case highlights the potential for RMSF to cause temporary urinary retention and neurogenic bladder.