A Rare Cause of Acute Urinary Retention: Meningitis-Retention Syndrome Caused by Varicella Zoster Virus

Abstract

A 33-year-old male patient presented to the urology clinic with complaints of headache, fatigue, and acute urinary retention. Physical examination revealed paresthesia/hypoesthesia in the S3–S5 dermatomes and decreased anal sphincter reflex. Blood and urine studies were performed, with results within normal limits. No abnormalities were observed in the urinary system on abdominal computed tomography. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed meningeal thickening and contrast enhancement. Lumbar puncture results reported a positive varicella zoster virus DNA. After the diagnosis, he was given intravenous acyclovir, and the symptoms gradually improved. © 2025, Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi. All rights reserved.