<i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> Meningitis Presenting with Acute Urinary Retention and Emphysematous Cystitis

Abstract

A combination of acute urinary retention and aseptic meningitis has occasionally been described, which is referred to as meningitis-retention syndrome. In contrast, acute urinary retention has rarely been reported in bacterial meningitis. We herein report a case of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis presenting with acute urinary retention which led to emphysematous cystitis in an elderly woman. She presented with impaired consciousness and a distended lower abdomen. She was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis by lumbar puncture. Abdominal computed tomography revealed the presence of emphysematous cystitis. She completely recovered with antibiotic therapy without any complications. Acute urinary retention can occur secondary to pneumococcal meningitis.

Healthy adults with Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis and Streptococcus pneumoniae subdural abscess: two case reports and a literature review

“…24 Both cases had fever, headache, confusion, and seizures, which are common symptoms as previously mentioned. Acute urinary retention 24 , 25 and diabetes insipidus 26 can occasionally occur secondary to pneumococcal meningitis.…”