Herpes zoster is an infection caused by the varicella virus. Inflammat
ory reaction can involve the spinal cord and anterior horn cells causi
ng varied neurological disorders including urological alterations. We
reviewed 57 patients who suffered herpes zoster between 1984 and 1991.
15 of them (26%) showed urological manifestations: 2 cases acute urin
ary retention, 3 patients urinary incontinence and 10 cases had a cyst
itis-like syndrome. The clinical findings and diagnostic procedures ar
e studied. The possible ethiological mechanisms are discussed. The lit
erature is reviewed.