Abstract

PINTO, Mariana et al. Imperforate hymen as a cause of urinary retention: the importance of physical examination. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2011, vol.20, n.4, pp.283-285. ISSN 0872-0754.

Introduction: Imperforate hymen (IH) is the most frequent obstructive anomaly of the female genital tract. It is estimated that occurs in 1:1000 - 1:10000 girls. Case report: We report a case of a 13-year-old girl with a history of constipation and lumbar scoliosis. She presented to the emergency department (ED) with urinary retention and vesical globe. She referred hypogastric pain for 11 months recurring every month. She also referred absence of menarche, and increased urinary frequency and difficulty to start urination for two months. The physical examination showed Tanner pubertal stage 4-5, bulging of the anterior wall of the rectum with palpable adjacent mass and protrusion of intact and imperforate hymen. Imperforated hymen and hematometrocolpos were diagnosed, confirmed by ultrasound. Hymenotomy and drainage of abundant hematic secretions were performed with resolution of her symptoms. Conclusion: With this case, the authors want to emphasize the importance of a complete physical examination in a child or adolescent.

Keywords : hematometrocolpos; imperforate hymen; urinary retention.

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