Bedside Ultrasound Evaluation Uncovering a Rare Urological Emergency Secondary to Neurofibromatosis

Abstract

A 56-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) with a chief complaint of urinary retention and overflow incontinence for 24 hours, preceded by progressive difficulty with voiding, worsening lower abdominal discomfort and bloating. Her past medical history was significant for small bowel obstruction and neurofibromatosis with an associated benign pelvic tumor that caused similar symptoms as a child, but had been known to be stable since that time. She had also recently been treated for a urinary tract infection. Her physical exam revealed tachycardia and a diffusely tender abdomen with a palpable, tender suprapubic mass extending just above her umbilicus.

Keywords

• neurofibroma
• Neurofibromatosis
• von Recklinghausen
• hydronephrosis
• bladder
• ultrasound