Acute urinary retention secondary to Epstein-Barr virus infection in a pediatric patient: a case report and review of causes of acute urinary retention in children

Abstract

We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with acute urinary retention presumed secondary to Epstein-Barr virus infection. Workup revealed an atonic bladder, which was refractory to medical management. The patient subsequently developed axillary lymphadenopathy, and the biopsy specimen was consistent with Epstein-Barr virus. In addition to presenting this patient with acute urinary retention secondary to EBV infection, we review the causes of acute urinary retention in children, with a focus on viral etiologies.