Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder (SRUB) secondary to alcohol intoxication is an uncommon presentation with high morbidity and mortality. Herein, we reported a rare case of spontaneous atraumatic rupture of the urinary bladder due to alcohol intoxication.

CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old Sri Lankan man presented with drowsiness, diffuse abdominal pain, vomiting with odor of alcohol, and urinary retention 24 hours prior to the index admission. CT cystogram confirmed the urinary bladder rupture at the dome, which was repaired through exploratory laparotomy.

CONCLUSIONS: An SRUB patient with alcohol abuse often presents with non-specific symptoms due to absence of a traumatic event, which results in missed or delayed-diagnosis. Early diagnosis and management of SRUB is crucial for uneventful recovery.

Keywords: Alcoholic Intoxication - complications, Biopsy, Diagnosis, Differential, Laparotomy, Rupture, Spontaneous, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Urinary Bladder - ultrasonography, Urinary Bladder Diseases - surgery, Urography