Aseptic Meningitis with Acute Urinary Retention

Aim: The clinical importance of acute urinary retention in aseptic meningitis.

Case Presentation: A 19-year-old male presented to us with signs and symptoms suggestive of meningitis. He later developed urinary retention. MRI of the brain with contrast was normal. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was consistent with aseptic meningitis. However, the meningoencephalitis panel was reported as negative. Urinary retention in the context of meningitis is known as Meningitis retention syndrome (MRS). MRS is a rare but important complication of meningitis. Early treatment with antiviral therapy resulted in a favorable outcome for our patient.

Conclusion: MRS is a rare self-limiting unique neuro-urological condition. The awareness of MRS and its clinical course is important for both neurologists and urologists in preventing unnecessary investigation and treatment, thereby reducing patients' anxiety.