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To the Editor: Bladder emptying is maintained by a feedback mechanism involving pelvic afferent nerves, the autonomic nerve system, and a looped pathway through the rostral pons.^1-2 Abnormalities of any of those components can interfere with complete bladder emptying. We report the case of a patient with symptomatic abdominal distension, which was found to be due to urinary retention with bilateral hydroureter. We believe that this was induced by chronic alcoholism.

Report of a Case

A 45-year-old man presented with progressive abdominal distension for 6 months as well as dysuria and urinary frequency for 2 months. His medical history was significant for chronic alcohol abuse of 20 years (10 beers per day). He denied dizziness, dyspnea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or tenesmus.

Physical examination revealed normal vital signs without orthostatic changes. The sclerae were anicteric. The abdomen was extensively distended but soft and nontender without shifting dullness. Bowel sounds could not be heard. The . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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