title: Spontaneous intraperitoneal rupture of a neurogenic bladder; the importance of ascitic fluid urea and electrolytes in diagnosis.
abstract: Spontaneous intraperitoneal bladder rupture in a 38 year old man with a spastic paraparesis since infancy is described. Delayed diagnosis resulted in peritoneal autodialysis so providing an opportunity for documentation of biochemical abnormalities. Surgery resulted in a successful outcome. The literature on this rare condition is outlined and difficulties in diagnosis are discussed. The diagnostic value of urea and electrolyte levels in ascitic fluid is emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, General Hospital, San Fernando, Trinidad, West Indies.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ramcharan
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Poon-King
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Indar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes