Epstein–Barr Virus-induced Meningitis-Retention Syndrome

Abstract

Meningitis-retention syndrome (MRS) is a rare disorder where aseptic meningitis is accompanied by urinary retention, which can be easily misdiagnosed as urinary tract infection. We present the case of a 55-year-old man with fever and dysuria. At the time of hospitalization, the patient had no symptoms of meningitis, but signs of meningeal irritation appeared later during the course of the disease. Investigation revealed that this was a case of MRS due to Epstein–Barr virus. We have to consider MRS when examining patients with fever and urinary retention, as dysuria may precede meningitis symptoms.

Keywords

• meningitis-retention syndrome
• aseptic meningitis
• acute urinary retention
• epstein–barr virus