%0 Journal Article %A John Biddlestone %A Lokesh Suraparaju %A Nimish Shah %T Herpes zoster induced acute urinary retention in the immunocompetent female %D 2009 %R 10.1136/bcr.07.2008.0452 %J BMJ Case Reports %P bcr0720080452 %V 2009 %X 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. %U