Sacral herpes zoster causing acute urinary retention

Abstract

Acute urinary retention in children is uncommon, with a much lower incidence than in adult population. We report a 12-year-old girl who presented with urinary retention due to varicella zoster virus infection involving the sacral nerves. The perineum over dermatomes S2–S4 on the left was involved with a vesicular and superficially erosive rash. Initial management included urethral catheterization as well as full course of oral acyclovir therapy. At follow-up 4 weeks later, the perineal skin lesions had healed, the catheter was removed, and the patient was able to pass urine.