title: Herpes zoster induced acute urinary retention in the immunocompetent female.
abstract: We present a rare case of acute urinary retention complicated by constipation secondary to a unilateral herpes zoster reactivation in the S2-4 dermatomes of an immunocompetent female. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical examination, negative cystoscopy and positive viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for herpes zoster virus. The patient was commenced on a course of oral acyclovir, the bowel symptoms resolved, and the patient was discharged with a urinary catheter in situ for an outpatient trial without catheter for 2 weeks to be followed by a course of intermittent self catheterisation pending resolution of symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Addenbrooke's Hospital, Urology, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Biddlestone
authors.forename: Lokesh
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Suraparaju
authors.forename: Nimish
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shah